Dorothy Ruby

Dorothy I. Ruby, age 95, died Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007 at her home, 1100 Grove Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa. Dorothy Isabelle Osgood was born December 26, 1911, in Sheldon, Iowa, to Wilbur James and Mabel Olive Weaver Osgood. She was united in marriage to Robert B. Ruby on June 10, 1937. They had four children; Marcene Tack (Elvin), CF; Erlin (Linda), Peoria, IL; Kent (Juanita), CF and Mike (Jo Anne), Muscatine, IA. Dorothy graduated from Sheldon High School in 1930, Sheldon Junior College in 1932, and attended Iowa State Teachers College for one year. She taught in rural Iowa schools for 3 years. They lived in Pella and Grundy Center prior to moving to Cedar Falls in 1944 where they owned and operated Rubys' Department Store until 1968. She later was employed at Carolyn's Fabric Shop, retiring in 1978. For 18 years they spent winters in Arizona and Texas where they were involved in numerous activities. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, UMW circles, and a Sunday School class for 62 years. She was a member of Eastern Star, served as a Cub Scout Den Mother and was active in PTA. She greatly enjoyed the nearly 55 years of meeting monthly with her dear friends in their "Patch & Chat" group. One of her greatest joys was knitting hundreds of caps for new born babies at local hospitals. The Ruby family lived at 1220 Washington Street, Cedar Falls, for 45 years. After Robert's death in 1996, Dorothy moved to the Willowwood Retirement Community. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers, Homer and Lawrence, a sister in infancy, and Robert, her husband of 59 years. In addition to her four children and their spouses, she is survived by 11 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Visitation will be held Friday evening, Feb. 9, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Richardson Funeral Home, 615 Main St. After a private burial in Greenwood cemetery, a memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, Feb. 10, at First United Methodist Church, 8th & Washington Streets, Cedar Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist church, the Cedar Falls Municipal Band, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Dorothy Ruby

December 26, 1911 - February 6, 2007