Ruby K Couch

The daughter of the late George W. and Julia F. Keyes, Ruby Alma Keyes Couch was born in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey on August 27, 1923, the youngest of four girls and nine boys. She was educated in the public school system in her hometown. After graduating with honors from Atlantic Highlands High School she received a scholarship to Morgan State College. While attending Morgan, she participated in numerous activities cheerleading, Intramural sports and was known as an excellent athlete and played most sports. In 1943, Ruby was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She graduated in 1945 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. She began teaching at Claflin College in Orangeburg, South Carolina for two years and then moved on to Newark, New Jersey School System. In 1954 she began teaching Physical Education in the Baltimore City Public System also pursuing graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland and Towson State College. Retiring in 1982 after teaching at Clifton Park, Robert Poole and General Henry Lee Junior High schools. Ruby was baptized at an early age at Saint Paul Baptist Church in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. When she became a resident of Baltimore City she joined Heritage United Church of Christ and was an active member in many of the church’s organizations. In June 1950, Ruby married Flan Couch Jr. who was the love of her life since she met him at Morgan State. They enjoyed more than Fifty years of marriage. This union produced two sons Earl Flannigan Couch III (Earl S. El-Amin) and Eric Conrad Couch (Eric El-Amin). In January 16, 2001, her husband departed this life and in April 11, 2002, her youngest son Eric passed. Ruby resided in Hanlon Park for sixty six (66) years and maintained a very high profile in the community, serving in various capacities of leadership up until she departed this life. She was known to be very frank and to the point. She believed that relationships should be open and honest, Deceit, Deviousness and Deception were disliked by her in all their forms. Ruby was totally committed to the quality of life in her neighborhood. She loved gardening, crocheting, knitting and for many years she conducted a knitting class at her church. In the later years she played Sudoku and walked around Hanlon Park Reservoir every day. She lived her Christian Life by serving God and Living by the Tenants of her Faith: feeding the Hungry, Visiting the Sick and Donating to various charities. Survivors include her son, Earl S. El-Amin and his wife Donna, Daughter-In-Law, Hanan El-Amin, grandchildren Ahmad El-Amin, Idris El-Amin, Qadir El-Amin and Jamillah Couch, also many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

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Ruby K Couch

August 27, 1923 - November 20, 2020