Ruby Frances Murray was born in Bashaw, Alberta on September 4, 1923 and passed away in Edmonton, Alberta on July 4, 2009 at the age of 85 years. On April 3, 1941 Ruby married Roy David Murray. Ruby and her husband Roy started in the oil patch in Saskatchewan in 1941, then in Alberta and B.C. When their daughters started school they finally settled in Edmonton and then St. Albert in 1952. During the interim periods she was a willing a devoted helper to Roy and his drilling business, be it cook in camp, truck driver, trailer hauler, or secretary, as she always claimed she was a jack of all trades and a master of none. In 1977 she moved to the Peace River country at the Little Smokey and Valleyview areas with Roy to fulfill his dream of retirement to a farm with many animals and close to mother nature. After a few years her husband became ill with heart problems and Alzheimer disease leaving her to devote her life totally 24/7 to the care of her husband until his passing. While living in St. Albert and Valleyview, her doors were always open to anyone needing help or a place to stay, particularly teenagers who were given a haven of love and a lending ear. To this day everyone affectionately calls her Grandma and kept in touch. Her home was the local coffee shop with goodies always on hand. While residing in St. Albert she volunteered for six years by driving patients to the Cancer Clinic as well as an avid worker of the Church in St. Albert. She was also a member of the Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Valleyview and a member of the Women of the Moose since 1952. Ruby was an avid reader of the world and daily affairs and loved crossword puzzles claiming this kept her mind from becoming stagnant. She enjoyed her times when grandchildren kept her busy as well as dog and house sitting. She delighted in driving her friends to appointments be it in the city or country. This driving kept her up to par with her skills. Many people commented on her lovely smile, a trademark in her life. In November, 2008 her health declined rapidly resulting in a move to Rimoka Lodge, then to Chateau Mission in St. Albert and finally to the Norwood Nursing Home. She is survived by her six grandchildren and six-great-grandchildren: David (Colleen) Curial and their children Meranda, Koden and Jaret; Todd (Tammy) Curial and their children Darrien, Layne and Rylin; Joanne (Alan) Baird; and Terri, Leslie and Shaun Critchley. She was predeceased by her husband Roy, her daughters Diana and Gail, her parents Henry and Emma Riske as well as an infant brother. A Service Of Remembrance was held at the Ponoka Funeral Home on Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Norwood Nursing Home in Edmonton.
Arrangements Entrusted To Ponoka Funeral Home
~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~