
Simply Adorable! |
I met Ruby Farr in the fall of 1955 when we lived at Wilmer Hall at Washington State College (now University). I have told the story of how she would wake me up to go to breakfast since we lived in single rooms right next door to each other. I always thanked her and immediately went back to sleep. She would come into my room after breakfast and say an angry voice, "I am NEVER waking you up again!". This scenario would be repeated many times over.
Ruby was always in some leadership role in the dorm and on campus. One of her positions in the dorm was to review cases where someone had broken the curfew rule. One night I was late coming back from the library and so I was called to appear before her "discipline committee" and explain myself. I don't recall what my punishment was, but I remember the severe scolding I received. We remained friends anyway and have continued to be friends in spite of other scolding’s I have received through the years. Ha.

Ruby continues be one of my favorite people probably because we accept our differences and enjoy our common interests and history. She just came to Las Vegas to celebrate my "big" birthday; she will forever be a part of my life.
Love you and your children, friend. HAPPY, HAPPY DAY!
Barbara Anderson

(Teaching
Moment #247)
Which Bird Stores
Nuts Like This?


Dear Ruby!
Welcome to the new decade…..a place where you haven’t been before. You are older now than you have ever been before. Fret not….the years haven’t changed you. you are still the dear, laughing, fun-loving young lady I knew in college! Remember those days at Portland State college, when we were young and carefree? Ah, those were the days.
Then we were both at Montavilla Church. I saw your kids grow up there. You asked if your family could send out my prayer-letter, when I left for Pakistan. And so you did send it out for me, for those 4 years.
Then for years we didn’t see each other. We quite lost track of each other. I did see one of your daughters (was it Kim or Deb or Emmalisa….I forget…I’m old!) at the Pittock Mansion a few years back, when I took some visitors there. She was selling the tickets…and recognized me! Imagine that!
And now, we have reconnected and I’m glad for that! I’m glad to greet you on your BIG BIRTHDAY!! How big does a birthday have to be, to earn that title?? I do wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! If I were within ear-shot, I would sing Happy Birthday to you in 3 languages. Failing that, just let me send you the best of greetings and good wishes for the next year. You have never been this old before, and you will never be this young again! ENJOY!!
Love,
Mary…..wilder than you are!
Dear Ruby,
Happy 80th Birthday! Time flies, doesn't it?
Having known you for all but four years of my life (in other words 25
years), I have plenty of memories I could share. I have fond memories
of the many impromptu dinners our families shared. The Larch Mountain
debacle stands out in my mind, but probably is better left alone! 😉.
At least we can laugh about it. To this day I'm grateful that your
kids, my siblings, and I all grew up together and still feel a bond.
I appreciate your candor and all the discussions and laughter we have
shared. I'm amazed by your energy and zest for life. May you continue
to be blessed with good health, strength, laughter, and love.
Love to you,
Kathie (Bartel)
I met Ruby through our mutual friend Mary and have enjoyed going to Ashland plays and meals with her plus getting together when she is in the Big City [Portland]. But what I especially enjoy is our shared love of old cemeteries. We have explored many of these in Ashland and a few in PDX. We might get lost finding some and covered with 'burrs' traipsing through others but we always have fun. Here are two pictures from our adventures:
The
first is of Ruby happily surveying the most idiosyncratic and wonderful
gravesite we have seen.

Here's
to many more plays, movies, meals, and CEMETERIES!
Ruth Walker
I am late with birthday wishes as the first attempt t o email failed and it took a while to figure out the problem since I am not much of a tech person. I miss seeing you at the monthly FHL board meetings which under your leadership had become not only efficient and effective but fun! You really were a superb guide and a boon to the cause. Thank you!
My world has become smaller since I have difficulty getting around but Beth and Jeannette keep me connected to the world. Beth is going to teach an OŁLI film class in the spring on the extraordinary wisdom of children. The subject is inspired and I am sure she will do an excellent job Ashe is a fine researcher and lecturer.
Happy 2016!
Fondly. Sachi

Love Steven and
Judy
RUBY!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Thanks for the musical support
over the years. Will sing you "Happy
Birthday"
today, wherever I am ~
today, wherever I am ~
Cheers
~ Jeff
Ruby is a quintessential extrovert. When I drive by her home and
she’s there, it’s likely she’s outside visiting animatedly with someone who was
walking by and stopped to chat with that friendly woman who lives with her
daughter. If I see her at the Racquet Club, she’s basking in the hot tub with
another workout queen, in this case, it’s often ME.
One
night our mutual friend Patty had a spare set of tickets to a chamber concert
and gave one to me and one to Ruby. The music began and one piece was a
mazurka, or at least it sounded like a mazurka, and Ruby was all but bouncing
in her seat. It was at that moment that I (one who believes in reincarnation)
realized that Ruby is and has been a gypsy for many lifetimes! It was like a
bolt of lightning. . . I wondered if I dare mention something so likely to be
off her radar, but when we were driving home I told her of my suspicion. She
didn’t roll her eyes or give me a rational explanation of why I was nuts.
“Yes,” she smiled. “That sounds right.”
Now
she has joined our very small lunch group called Left Leaning Ladies Who Lunch
and I’m so looking forward to following her life more closely. I know Ruby will
likely always be a gypsy, but I’m looking forward to her staying in one place
long enough (i.e. Bush Street) so I can get to know her better.
Happy
Birthday to Gypsy Rose Ruby!
Carole
Hesse
Best
wishes for the BIG birthday.

Barbara
has always considered you one of her favorite people. If she hasn't heard
from you in awhile, she is on the phone to catch up.
When
you flew to Kauai we drove around the airport several times and could not find you.
Needless to say we thought you had missed the plane. Then, we got out to
check the schedule and you were sitting on a bench all by yourself!!!! We
did get a bit of a tongue lashing, but you forgave us quickly.
It
has been a pleasure knowing you all these years. You are one of our most
interesting friends--you keep current on so many subjects and your reading
skills make me jealous.
Thank
you for your continued friendship. We have had many great times together
whether at one of our timeshare or seeing plays in Ashland. Your trips to Down
Under will be a great experience for your birthday.
Just
because you are catching up with me in age doesn't mean that we cannot continue
our seeing one another often.
May
your NEW YEAR be filled with happiness and good health. Let us know
everything about NZ and Australia.
Jim
Anderson
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Sweet Sisters |
Upon becoming 80....Whoa slow down, where has the time gone. For me your little sister, I remember you always being good to me, in so many ways. From taking me with you to Olympia parks program, to Oly High play practice where some of the big guys I think football players putting me in a locker in the hall. To babysitting your children when they were little, to taking care of them when you were wandering Europe. And them eventually becoming my good friends. Good memories, good sister, good friend. You are probably just getting started...Go sister of mine, enjoy and be happy.
Love Evie
Left to
Right... Robert Reid, (me) David LoVine,
Susanne Ashland enjoying a beverage.
Happy Happy
Days.
Thanks for
the memories, Ruby.
It’s late June in 1987 and I’ve
just been called for an interview for a vice principal ship on the central
Oregon Coast. The district who called
had not handled my initial application well so I was not very excited about the
possibility, as I was heartbroken several weeks earlier when I was promised an
interview, then learned that the position had been filled. So loving the thought of a road trip to the
coast, I decided that I would make the best of the trip and arrived in my crisp
navy tweed suit and a high-necked blouse and a crimson pin to match. The beautiful new library at Waldport HS was
filled with twenty people, the interview committee, and Ruby immediately stood
out, with hands reaching out to welcome me and help me feel at ease. Me in my navy suit and Ruby in her flowing
outfit of reds, oranges and yellows and a personality to match.
We worked together as an
administration team at Waldport HS for three years, and to say that I learned a
great deal from her is an amazing understatement. I was the quiet and thoughtful detail person
watching everything and internalizing every lesson. Ruby was the outgoing, compassionate and
inclusive leader who welcomed everyone just as she welcomed me that first day I
met her.
During our time at Waldport
HS, we became a great leadership team because our skills complemented each
other and because we shared the same values about our students, their families,
our many co-workers, and the Lincoln County community. In addition to becoming an amazing mentor, we
became friends, and our gift of friendship has been a blessing ever since.
To Ruby – who has taught me
about the importance of family, friendship, laughter, and all that is beautiful
in this world, thank you for always being true to yourself and believing in
those you hold dear.
Happy Birthday, dear friend!
Here’s to many new adventures ahead….love, Pat
(Teaching Moment #1324)


Happy birthday big Ruby, from Oscar,
Emma and little Ruby
So, here’s to a great birthday and a
new decade, my friend. I’ll be looking forward to all the visits, lunches
and walks. I just hope I can keep up with you!
Tanti Auguri,
--Joanne L.--
Ron and Sharon Dean
aka Awesome Neighbors!
(*Check out Ron's amazing "ode" to Ruby at the very end of this blog)
This is one ruby that doesn't just sit and sparkle - our Ruby pounces,
investigates, engages, initiates and secures what she is looking for! I
hardly qualify to be in her realm but I feel like her very best friend when I
am with her even though I know she has dozens and dozens of others. I have no
photos, only memories of walking, finding cemeteries, talking about houses on
Granite street, and watching her truly lead as the president of the board of
Friends of the Hannon Library. The world needs more like her but she is
impossible to duplicate and one of a kind. Happy Birthday girl - give it many
more whirls.
Jan Wright
"YOUTH HAS NO AGE."
Pablo Picasso was surely thinking of our
timeless, ageless Ruby!
We wish you all the
very best as you celebrate this special birthday.
Here's to a wonderful
new decade filled with fun, good health,laughter, adventures and much happiness
with all you hold dear.
We are indeed delighted to
be included in THE RUBY FAN CLUB!
"IT'S A GOOD LIFE....ENJOY IT." - Jim Henson
With big smiles and
birthday hugs plus a virtual birthday serenade,
Paula and Shel
We met-- we clicked.
To have friends of different generations is....creative! Thanks for adding to
mine!!!
Reflecting on Ruby:
Ruby loves to walk. I
learned that very early in our relationship. She has stamina that is
considerable and inspirational. I loved that she hiked up to our new home when
we first arrived in 2013 without a thought to the steep streets. I loved our
walks on the nearby TID where she pointed out all the different wildflowers to
me one late wet spring day. Our Ruby--a fountain of information!

Ruby is also a regular
patron of my artcards which has generated significant donations to
Children International. She makes a difference all over the world with
each purchase. It is extra special to know how much she loves sharing my art
with family and friends near and far. Her love of correspondence is very
dear. Often when I am in Lithia Park with my camera considering the
beauty of the season, my friend Ruby tends to be sitting on my shoulder. I am
deeply grateful.
Dear Friend-- I look
forward to more strolls in 2016. ( and sitting and sipping and chatting.)
Thanks to the inspiration of master bird photographer Emmalisa I now have a
mega zoom camera to take on our next bird watch.
Ruby--You are a
blessing in my life and a treasure to all who know and love you. Happy 80 years
young!
With deep affection, Paula
"Don't fight the
rings on the tree--just keep counting them."

I only recently discovered this picture from Cuba. We visited
a "Special Needs Kids" workshop. The kids were so proud
of their beautiful work. Both Ruby & Judy purchased art works
from this young lady. She posed for this picture with her
American art collectors.
Dave (Krug)
It is the summer of 1996 and I am driving away from a rural grade school heading back home to Portland, repeating the name of the principal whom I had just met at a transition meeting for one of my therapy clients. "Ruby Whalley...Ruby Whalley...", suddenly it hit me! I pulled a u-turn and headed back to the school and walked into your office. "Mrs.Whalley, it's me, Laura Minato!" Two decades before this chance reunion, our relationship was one of student and teacher at Gresham High School where "Mrs.Whalley" taught me how to write a research paper. Who knew that we would meet each other again in school as principal and counselor at Beavercreek Elementary? Finding you again was good timing for me personally as well as professionally. I had the confidence and hopefulness that comes with a brand new master's degree, but I was still hurting from some losses, including the sudden death of my mom several years before. We only worked together for that one year as it was your last before retiring, but we forged the beginning of an enduring friendship. You became a mentor, mother figure, and friend to me. I remember that you made me promise that I would keep my counselor position for at least two years. Ruby, after twenty years,I did keep that promise several times over! You helped me set the path for my life's work and it could not have been more well chosen. Your independent spirit, colorful personality, and zest for life continue to inspire me. I love you.
Laura Minato


Cyrus Emerson
Although we've known you for 10 years, it feels as if we've been friends forever. Becoming part of your neighborhood and friendship group has been the best part of our move to Ashland. As you know, when we decided to live in a bigger house, we couldn't leave this neighborhood and happily moved CLOSER to you and Kim. Ruby, we love you and love being able to visit so often and easily. Have a wonderful day, and party, and year! With much love,
Christine and Rick
And the cats.
Happy, Happy Birthday dear
Ruby! May this be your best year yet!
Love, Vincent
You who have been with me since well,
time began, my biggest support, teacher and fan. We have explored
multiple countries and grand places. The ethos that you walk with in life
is such a powerful example. Generous of your time, you share freely with
those who are in need. You always support the causes that are important.
Mom, you are the parent, friend and the pain in the ... That I Love!!
May you see and explore all you crave. Travel well dear Ruby, you are as precious as your name. Michael
Mom, you are the parent, friend and the pain in the ... That I Love!!
May you see and explore all you crave. Travel well dear Ruby, you are as precious as your name. Michael
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Happy birthday cuz on William Osborne
Dear Ancient Ones Section
Grandma W |
Delphos William Smiley Farr |
Not a blogger am I; simply taking
this way to express the delights and surprises of learning about the Ruby
Whalley I knew only as the bright. sharp, intelligent,
compassionate leader/president of The Friends of the Hannon Library when I
was a board member.
To learn now of this incredible,
life-impassioned lady, seemingly an embodiment of the phrase joie de
vive, has been for me one of the joys to come out of this holiday
season as I turn into the new year and how I have appreciated the happy,
adventurous photos of her, and all the greetings, reminiscences, the histories
of such a very special human being.
What a Mom! What a lady! What
a Ruby!
With a warm heart and love,
Joyce Epstein
I don't have any photos to post . . . but, oh my goodness, I've got great memories!!
Thirty-eight years ago I
met Ruby at Gresham High School. It was my first year in
"Gopher-ville" and she quickly became a mentor, and a very good
friend. Right away it was clear that Ruby was a leader: smart,
funny, enthusiastic, and willing to jump in and get to know a newbie like me.
She was awesome then, and she's awesome now!!
Soon after
I started at Gresham, she departed Gopher-ville and went on to work as an
administrator all over the place: Ashland, Phoenix, Eagle Point,
Waldport, Oregon City, Beavercreek and . . . I'm sure I've left out some of her
schools. But, always a great educator, a great parent, and a great
friend.
I first met Ruby (Mrs. Whalley to me
back then) in 1967 when I was a senior at Gresham High School and Ruby was a
student teacher in Raymond Nelson’s English Class. Because Ruby was such a lovely
and generous woman, she befriended me after I graduated, inviting me over to
meet her family. I still remember her free and easy style — she seemed so
comfortable in her own skin. That made an impression on a self-conscious,
inhibited but aching to be worldly-wise young woman. She offered an attractive
alternative to the constricted expectations back in the 60’s (my shorthand
teacher was still telling her students to wear hat and gloves to job
interviews). I never forgot Ruby and was so happy to reconnect with her many
years later — still the warm-hearted, joyous woman that I had come to know as a
high school student.
Thank you, Ruby, for entering my
life at the opportune moment and for maintaining that lovely spirit you share
with all who know and love you.
Claudia (McCracken) Lashley
Claudia (McCracken) Lashley
They say,
Ruby you're like a flame . . . .

I had a wonderful time in Lincoln
County School District. The best of these times were with Pat and Ruby. We
developed an enduring friendship and we usually got together for dinner every
week or two. We drank a lot of wine. I think those dinners kept me from going
completely crazy. I count Ruby as one of my earliest and most important
professional mentors. More importantly, Ruby is one of my dearest long-term
friends. She has a magical way of recognizing everyone's personal gifts as well
as their flaws. She never lets the flaws get in the way.
Finally, I think it is important to
note that Ruby is the only Ruby I know. So she is the only person I can
sing "Ruby" (Ray Charles) to whenever she answers the phone.
Wishing you a Happy, Happy, Birthday
Ruby!
Michael Lehman

Thanks so much for being my godmother; for being a woman ahead of me on the journey through life and speaking about it honestly and substantively; and - most especially - for being a link for me to my mother, with whom I can no longer speak directly. I hope that your 80s are TERRIFIC, and that I get to see more of you!!!!
Lots of love, Mary (King)
Mom, wow, what can I say but thank you first of all for all
you did for us when we were growing up.
I am so appreciative of you.
14 years ago my dad died and I thought to myself, I want to
do something with mom that she already does and I can incorporate myself into,
well I happened to choose birding and we have been birding together ever
since. We have travelled to Ohio, Cuba
and Alaska to do some birding and I am looking forward to more trips with you.
One of my favorite birding stories is mom telling me that she
hadn’t seen an American Bittern yet and we were up visiting Ridgefield Wildlife
Refuge. We were walking in the woods and there was a spot where you could see
the water and there in front of us was an American Bittern. I fell to the ground with excitement and mom
was jumping up and down. We got to watch that bird for a while and then we
moved on, happy with what we had just seen together.
I love going to plays with you, birding and sharing time with
you. You are one of my favorite people! I love you mema, happy birthday! Emmalisa
The Black and White Area
Grandma Farr and Runt |
Bob, Ruby, Kim and Debra 1959 |
1962 |
Where's Emma? |
The Little Farmhouse |



Happy
Birthday Ruby!
Thank you for welcoming me to your family.
I took this
picture during a hike to Hobart Peak on
Christmas Day several years ago.
Wishing you more adventures and much happiness.
Love, Cindy
Congratulations, Ruby, as you begin
another year! May this new, and very important one, be one of your Very
Best! Apparently, Pablo Picasso once said, “It takes a long time to
become young.” You, Miss Ruby, have done a great job! Keep it up!
---a Portland Art Museum friend,
Judy Lyons
Magical Musical (Not) Birthday Candle |
We
have reflected extensively on the many marvelous 'facets' of Ruby. We
hope to participate in the tribute, and salute you for providing a
forum, (and giving us a learning opportunity).
We greatly appreciate your family, with all your gifts!
Colleen, and Robin,
Nicholas and Lucy Claire

Happy
Birthday Ruby.
I’m almost caught up with you. Well…I
guess I’ll never catch up, but I’m only 3 years behind. Thank you from
the bottom of my grandmotherly heart, for being so patient with Garrison.
I love you and Kim for what you are doing to help him.
I love you and Kim for what you are doing to help him.
Have a
wonderful 80th year.
Sheri
Burrell
The Amazing Places in our lives....
We
love you
brother
Bud (Frank) & Tracy
15 years ago
we came down and spent the night in Ashland, with Ruby and Kim. We took your
mom and went to Reno, and she never had been to Reno and she had never gambled.
We stayed at the Silver Legacy, and when we woke up and had
breakfast we started to walk through the casino. She had no idea what to do,
but Ruby being frugal and funny pulled out 5 bucks. I asked her what she wanted
to play and we went down the hall to find some silver dollar machines.
She pulls twice and she loses 5 bucks, and she looks at us and she says this is
crap.
So Tracy
says to her, can I play your machine, and Ruby says yes. So then Tracy
asks again, so you don’t care if I play your machine, and Ruby says no. Tracy
put 20 bucks in the machine and pulls it twice and wins 150 dollars.
The whole
day everywhere we go she says, you should give me my money back. This continues
for hours until finally Tracy says fine, and gives her her money back and her
brother says I wouldn't have given it back to her.
*
Ruby left
her camera in Olympia and the next day we were flying to Reno so we took her
camera with us. We got a picture under the Welcome to Reno sign and pretty much
everywhere we went. The next time we saw her we gave her the camera back.
So she calls a couple of weeks later and says I got my pictures developed and
when the hell did we go to Reno? When did we all go to Reno? We couldn't help
it and started laughing and there was silence for a moment and then she says
you *@!#?’s.
*

We love you Ruby and are grateful that we are part of your
family. Happy birthday! Cheryl
and Anne

I am intimidated as well to try and
write something. But I would like to say thanks for including me in with some
of your family fun. Going on some of the BGPP (Big Girl Panty Parties) have
made wonderful memories for me. You will
always be young at heart and full of mischief and make people smile...
Happy
birthday
Penny Domingos
Happy Birthday, Ruby!!
It seems it was not that long ago that we celebrated a special birthday of yours! And, now, another one? Can't be!! Although, each and every birthday really is special...sometimes the time just goes too fast!
When I think of you, I see a woman who is quietly elegant and deeply thoughtful. You are wise and kind and any time spent with you is a pleasure. You are the Mother to one of my dearest friends and to two others who are not far behind....I love being on the edge of your family!!
I wish for you a very special day as well as a year filled with joy, peace, quiet and fun surprises...
Happy Birthday,
Love, Susan
Happy Birthday to a rare gem indeed!
So glad to be counted among those who
love and admire you!
Rob & Casey Cavasher
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Ruby and Jack (Grandson) |
Dear Ruby, Here I am typing away at 5:57 PM on Wednesday....your birthday. Supposedly you are going to get this "Wednesday evening". Hopefully that means I have three minutes to be timely. Ruby, you were the best principal EVER. I will never forget the first time I met you. I can't remember why exactly I had to consult "the new principal", but I do remember going into your office sometime before the start of school. We discussed whatever it was we needed to discuss and when I got up to leave you jumped up and offered me a hug. Well, wow! And so started a friendship I will treasure always. You were always so much fun to work with...I totally appreciated your clear approach and your humor. I am thinking of the time that Carl dressed up as a woman for Halloween in 6th grade. You were totally convulsed with laughter. It WAS funny! I hope you have a wonderful 80th celebration....whaaaaat 80???? Are you kidding me? You are amazing. I want to be just like you when I grow up. Love, on
Dearest Ruby,
Happy Birthday,
dear one. I must say that every time I see you out "power
walking" I get inspired by your youthfulness, beauty and energy! You
got it goin', girl!
Love ya lots,
Zan
Ruby – one of the warmest and most caring people I know. Her thoughtfulness is rare and genuine, her humor bright and enduring. I’m thankful to know her, and she’s made my life richer in so many ways! Claudia Law
Ruby,

I so admire your sense of adventure,
and the way you approached retirement. May you continue to have great
adventures, in good health and spirit, for many years to come.
Love,
Elaine
I do wish Ruby a VERY, MERRY Birthday!
Love,
Love,
Z
(Suzette Mecca)
Wishing you a glorious birthday and all you wish for in the year ahead. You are a gem, Ruby. Love, Jack Davis
Dear Ruby,
I once escaped out of a not so accessible window rather than face the school
principal, one of those shadowy figures who prowled the hallways with a paddle
the size of the cutting boards the boys made in shop class, while the girls
sewed crooked seams into A-line skirts.
I'm not sure which of us was spared the worst of the interaction that was about to take place in that office, but it was the closest I ever got to a principal until I met you.
Thank you for sharing your warmth, your generosity, your humor and encouragement, with me and with Mahalia all these years. It's hard to imagine anyone ever felt the need to disappear out your office window.
It's been an honor to feel part of your family, to watch you all grow, and now to be included in this blog celebration of your birthday. I'll be thinking of you today and wishing you the best of years.
With much love,
Deborah (Cohen)

I'm not sure which of us was spared the worst of the interaction that was about to take place in that office, but it was the closest I ever got to a principal until I met you.
Thank you for sharing your warmth, your generosity, your humor and encouragement, with me and with Mahalia all these years. It's hard to imagine anyone ever felt the need to disappear out your office window.
It's been an honor to feel part of your family, to watch you all grow, and now to be included in this blog celebration of your birthday. I'll be thinking of you today and wishing you the best of years.
With much love,
Deborah (Cohen)
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Yosemite 2010 |
Happy
Birthday/ Pura Vida (Pure Life!) Ruby!!!
In celebration of your life, I want to
express my love and gratitude for you and your family, from your lovely
daughter Kim, with whom I have been a "soulmate" from the first day I
met her at the old Ashland Bakery Cafe in 1985, to the subsequent meeting of
you and Debbie, Mike, Emmalisa, your Dad, Sister, and nieces and nephews. Over
the years you have been so loving and welcoming to me and to Clare, and Louis,
and to all of my family; I have always felt loved and included by you - and
teased, which made me feel right at home!
With blessings of love, I join with
all of your family and friends to honor you ~
Marianne (O’Sheeran)
We love you too Ruby and hope you
enjoy your 80th year.
Like you did the others, you
welcomed us into the neighborhood back in 2000. You and Kim both greeted
us with smiling faces and encouraged us as we worked and worked and worked on
our house across the street.
We love seeing you often walking
about town, and always enjoy seeing your smile whenever we run into you.
Thanks Kim for orchestrating the
great gift… the messages of love for your Mom.
Patti and Guy

We love you Ruby and wish you the
very best birthday ever!!
Enjoy your special day!!
Lots of love from,
The Moniz Family aka Rick, Monique,
Jordan, Ian and Barley
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Ruby Teaching Dancing in Cuba |
Hmmm....let me see. Well, to
share my most memorable moment with this wonderful woman would need to be from
when I first met her.
Close friends with her Gem, Ms
Emmalisa....I heard many stories about her Mom long before meeting the iconic
Ruby. I recall Ruby visiting Emm for lunch at Standard Insurance.
Not a real shocking deal, since they surely are very close to each other.
This particular day, The Standard Café was serving creamed corn
(..."chowder", I believe it was). Mizz Ruby ordered up a bowl
of this (in my opinion) "gruel" to feast upon for lunch.
Now...I LOVE corn. Corn on the
cob, canned corn, frozen corn. I don't like my corn to be infused into
ANY other form of food (...with the exception of veggie soup). One of my
most certain food "dislikes", for whatever reason,
is creamed corn or corn chowder, cornbread or ANY thing remotely
resembling creamed and corn combined! In my mind.....there's
just...."something wrong" with the looks, the taste, the
texture...the entire idea!?!?
I remember Mizz Ruby enjoying her
chowder and I, like the fool I am, expressed my cream corn distain to
her. I didn't take to heart the stories that Emma had warned me about
her Mothers wicked sense of humor. After all....she seemed a
sweet, intelligent, tender and soft spoken woman at first meeting....how was I
to know??? My guess (now, at least) is that the sweet, calm demeanor she
showed outwardly....was a façade of the internal workings of information
gathering to fulfill her wicked sense of humor later on.
Time went on...and there were
several more times I got to share some brief times with Mizz Ruby.
To be honest, I had forgotten that she had internal knowledge of my corn
preferences. On another day....several months later, again, there
was another occasion that Mizz Ruby had joined Emma for lunch at the
Standard Café. THIS particular time....I was told she was bringing a
"gift" for ME?!?!?
What could it be? Why was she
getting something for lil ole me?? What was the occasion???
Thoughts abound my brain throughout the day.
By this time, I had the
blessing to get and know a bit more about the Whalley Clan. I know
that....just like their Mother...each of her children have a great deal of
kindness, intelligence, HUGE hearts and massive amounts of creativity! I
wasn't just excited to see Mizz Ruby again....but was anxious to see what gift
she had bequeathed to me! (Yes....I am rather "hellish" when
presents are involved.)
So Emma and I waltz to the
café....and sitting at Emma's usual "high" table in the back of the
Café, was Mizz Ruby. We ordered and brought our lunch to the table...and
Mizz Ruby shuffled a package across the table to me.
Again....kid with Christmas fever, I tore the package open.
Inside the package...was a can
of....(ugh, ick, ewwie) creamed corn. Of course...when a child is handed
a helping of one of the very foods she detests....I made "The
Face". Anyone that has ever seen a kid forced to eat liver for the
first time, knows which face I donned!
At that moment....looking up into
Mizz Ruby's beautiful eyes, beaming with laughter and a certain "tee hee
hee" devious sparkle....I knew that she considered me "ok" and
liked me.....and I had just been "Rubied"!
Not to be out-done.....I held onto
that can of creamed corn til the next holiday season. I re-wrapped it
with a recipe and supplies needed to make creamed corn bread. Seems Mizz
Ruby isn't the only one with a wicked sense of humor. Difference is....I
really think she actually MADE the cornbread....and I'm positive that it was
delicious!
It is an honor to know you, Mizz
Ruby and your family. You have done an AMAZING job raising your
phenominal kids....and I am a very blessed woman to share the times I had with
you all!
So here's to you, Mizz Ruby!
As you enter and enjoy your 8th decade on this wonderful planet...please know
that you are greatly loved, widely respected, joyously revered and a huge
inspiration to all who you touch!!!
In closing.....allow me to add a
poem. I didn't write it....but it certainly does fit you:
I can’t seem to believe
Of you whatever I see
You look so wonderful
Even at eighty
I am simply blown away
Looking at the way you are
You are nothing less than
An octogenarian superstar
Happy 80th birthday
Wishing
you all the best life has to offer...today and always!!! Happy 80th Birthday
Darlin....and I hope your spoiled rotten!!!
Much
Love,
Ruby Goes to Town
by Ron Dean
I don't know if Ruby
ever dressed up like a clown
I don't know if Ruby
ever took her love to town
I know that she's been up the hill
and hiked it all around
But if she were a better
neighbor
she'd cut the damned tree down.
I saw her though the window
She was partying to beat the band
Her mouth was full of shrimp
with a chip in either hand
The dip it looked delicious
the layout was just grand
The guests that she was hosting
were the finest in the land.
She keeps her family close to her
She's a woman to be praised
She has a lot of grown-up kids
She got them all well raised
No matter what life throws at her
She never will be fazed
are really quiet amazed.
She picks up all the branches
that fall down from the tree
Some branches fall for her
Some branches fall for me
Other things fall from that tree
for everyone to see
No matter what the time of year
the tree leaves stuff for me.
I've talked about that tree enough
This is Ruby's day
Ruby and that tree of hers
have both got lots to say
They've been together many years
from June right through to May
Every hour of every year
and every sunny day.
I don't know who is older
if we have to count in years
The tree has seen a lot
but it cannot calm our fears
But Ruby too has seen a lot
Has gray matter 'tween the ears
Ruby is the choice for me
for the vision that is clear.
I've grown to love that tree next door
no matter what it drops
Some stuff you don't see on the bottom
falls down from on the top
I've tried to learn its seasons
and each season's many crops
I just know I'll be distressed
if the dropping ever stops.
But these words are about Ruby
not about her incense spruce
Words about her fine mind
and the things she can deduce
I know you've caught my error
It's a cedar not a spruce
But cedar doesn't rhyme with
loose, caboose, or Dr. Seuss.
So let's get back to Ruby
and the joy she brings to all
Of the beauty in her face
and her posture straight and tall
Forget about that tree
and all that stuff that soon will fall
And how cleaning it up daily
has me climbing up the wall.
So Ruby tell us all about
the town where we reside
Of all it has to offer
of all it can provide
Tell us of its history
Its gardens far and wide
Of all the trees down in the park
and where to find a guide.
How did I get back to trees
which I never meant to do
I've been referring to just one tree
but really there are two
They both contribute to my ire
to the chore that I so rue
But neither one can keep me from
the things I like to do
So in this little town of ours
that's centered on the "Bard"
I have an urge from deep within
an urge I truly guard
I like to see some order
in the place I call the yard
And when I keep it tidy
the work is never hard.
Your friends are scattered far and wide
almost everywhere
They will celebrate your life
because they really care
You treat us all like family
like cubs within you lair
And even though I curse that tree
I'm really glad it's there.