Some people are so dedicated to what they do that the ordinary becomes the extraordinary. Such a lady is Ruby McDonald. She works behind the scenes at Hardee’s in Fuquay-Varina making the biscuits on the early morning shift. How, then, was she recognized as someone special?
Nancy (known as Noonie) Fugler and her husband moved here from Colorado Springs four years ago. They found Fuquay-Varina to have a small-town vibe that is “very sweet,” according to Noonie. During the pandemic shutdown they rode their bikes along Highway 55 by Judd Parkway to sit on the curb in the parking lot, enjoed Diet Cokes, and then they biked back home again. “It became a recreational thing to do.” This couple understood that while most people were shut in at home, a dedicated crew was willing to venture forth to give service to all.
Noonie was surprised when she got to meet Ruby on one of her visits. Here was a lady dressed all in white because, Noonie discovered, that’s the easiest way to perform her given task, making the biscuits. Miss Ruby arrives at 4:30 a.m., five to six days a week. She is amazingly fit and active for a lady of 78. Noonie learned that Ruby supports a busy family and has no desire to sit still at home. “What a work ethic! What an example of grace and joy! You must meet her.”
And so I did. I found my way alone in the dark to interrupt the bustle that goes on before most folks wake up. I met Colette Price and Alexis Shelton and, there, behind them in the kitchen, was Ruby McDonald in her white outfit. Her first comment was, “I do my sleeping when I leave.” The busy family that she supports began with her own two sons and two daughters, but also includes two grandchildren that she adopted, who are now 17 and 19, as well as four great-grandchildren, who are now 2 months old, 4 years, 7 years, and 14 years. On Ruby’s finger is a Mother’s Ring with lovely stones representing her pride in her role.
Ruby moved to Fuquay-Varina four years ago from Knightdale, about the same time as the Fuglers arrived. She lived in Apex “all my life,” but graduated from school in Garner. Her desire to work is of long standing. “My sister and I had to work summers.” And her fitness follows the family pattern as well. “My dad was 94 when he passed.” Ruby retired in 2007 after a career working for the state. Her comment on work in general: “I enjoy it.”
The way to enjoy your work is to know that you do it well and offer it as a service to others. She didn’t hesitate to add, “My biscuits are the best.” How does she know that? Well, a group of Wednesday ladies apparently did a taste-test comparison and told her so. Imagine how many places in town serve up biscuits in the morning. They must have had fun.
I tried one plain, with butter. Ruby thinks the best one is the one that holds a pork chop and gravy. There’s one with a loaded omelet, and another with chicken. I didn’t want to be distracted from the warm flaky treat itself, and I was not disappointed. The wrapper showed a star with a smile inside. That seemed to be more about Miss Ruby than about the brand. Ever focused on her task, she recommends to everyone, “Come and try my biscuit.”
That’s a blessed family she cares for, and she shares her love for them in the same way. “At home, I do all the cooking.” And the tradition is being passed along. “My youngest son is a very good cook.”
Ruby calls Noonie “a sweet lady.” And Noonie says of Ruby, “She should be celebrated. If you wait two years, she’ll be 80!” You hear on the news that workers are hard to find now. Lucky is the employer who hires someone like Miss Ruby. She is the very essence of a good worker. Her perseverance and dedication make her stand out. Noonie knows that. “We have seen many employees one-fourth her age come and go, as is the story of today’s entry workers. But Ruby just keeps chugging along and makes biscuits for Fuquay-Varina.”
I saw a little book while on a trip to the mountains recently. The title is Butter My Butt and Call Me a Biscuit! Yes, I can tell the biscuit is a cultural thing here in the south. Well, so is pride in a job well done. Maybe it’s time to do the comparison taste test and try them all. Don’t miss the one Ruby McDonald has made just for you.
