Rubenia Bergen

Rubenia Hope Bergen, 92, of Monroe, passed away on April 5, 2022, at Atrium Union Hospital in Monroe.

Rubenia “Ruby” was born on September 6, 1929, to the late Gilliam and Nora (Ussery) Russell in Albemarle NC.

Mrs. Bergen loved the Lord and looked forward to a reunion with her family and friends in Heaven. Ruby worked various jobs during her lifetime. She had an exceptional work ethic and was never late for work. She retired from Publix Super Markets in Palm City, FL and was very passionate about her work for Publix. On her 1993 performance review, the store manager wrote, “Excellent associate, sells anything that we ask and sells it in abundance, Ruby is very personable and great with customers.”  She loved Publix and was very happy when she learned that the company was opening stores in North Carolina. She loved to visit with friends and relatives and loved to stay in touch with all her nieces and nephews.  Her great-granddaughter, Caitlyn Cowles commented, “My Granny B was a hilarious woman to be around; she didn’t even mean to be funny, but what she would say would just crack you up.”  Ruby loved to laugh, and she could bring laughter to any family gathering.  She was loved by all who knew her.

She was married to Mills H. Clark on September 7, 1945, in York, S.C.  She was preceded in death by Mills and two other husbands, Robert Belcher and James Bergen.  She was also preceded in death by her three sisters, Rachel Rabon, Evelyn Mills, Alma “Polly” Talbert and two brothers, Edward J. Russell and Merril Russell.

She is survived by her sons, Tony L. Clark (Sandra) of Matthews and Phillip D. Clark (Jonalyn) of Little River, S.C.; daughter, Judy Clark West of Athens, GA; sister-in-law, Flora Tucker Russell of Spencer; grandchildren, Sheri Clark Jenkins of Charlotte, Chad Billings Clark (Mindy) of Midland, Lisa Clark Harris of Albemarle, Doug Clark (Michelle) of Charlotte, Andrew Clark (Romina) of Panama City, FL, Jennifer Clark of Albemarle, Rebecca Clark of Little River, SC, Christy Anderson of Maysville, GA, Carver Anderson (Jennifer) of Maysville, GA, Deborah Anderson Southerland (Roger) of Commerce, GA; great-grandchildren, Caitlyn Cowles, Kiley Cowles, and Alyssa Jenkins of Charlotte, Austin Billings Clark and Adalyn Clark of Midland, Courtney Hicks Nabibette and Brittany Hicks Nabibette of Albemarle, Emma Harris and Maggie Harris of Albemarle, Joey and Jerrod Nabibette, Maleak and Jasiah Nabinette of Albemarle, Ruby and Jaycee Anderson of Maysville, GA, Nikki Villafranca of Panama City, FL, Roc and Alexia Clark of Charlotte, Tyler Southerland (Niki), Courtney Southerland, Chelsea Southerland of GA, and Aly Chase of Albemarle; great-great-great-grandchildren, Adaline and Amelia Southerland (Tyler) of  GA and Bryce Maher (Caitlyn) of Charlotte.

The family wants to thank the 3rd Floor Staff of Atrium Health Union Hospital for their loving care.  The family would also like to thank Sonya Turner, RN, who assisted Ruby with baths, managing medications, etc. for the last 4 years.

The family request that any memorials go to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the family.