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Earle Ruby
Earle J. Ruby, 91, of Mountain Home, died at his home on Monday, Feb. 16, 2009.
A memorial service to honor and celebrate his life was held Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009 at the Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel in Namp.
Earle was born on Feb. 21, 1917, to Millicent Bell and Frank Raymond Ruby in Corral, Idaho. The sixth son of Idaho homesteaders, he grew up on the Camas Prairie.
On May 15, 1939 he married "the love of his life," Pearl Nash. "She was his sweetheart for 70 years and the mother of their nine children," his family said, noting Earle was "a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather (who) viewed his marriage and his children as his greatest achievements.
"A devout Christian, Earle served in the church at various times as youth leader, Sunday school teacher, board member, and usher. His consistent Christian life and character formed the basis for raising his family."
He was a farmer, salesman, and roofer, often working two or three jobs to support his large family. He took pride in his work, and continued to work into his 80s for the Forest Service.
"Earle loved to hear and tell a good story," his family said. "Stories were enriched by his gift for mimicry and contagious laugh. Listening to and singing cowboy and gospel music was a staple of his home.
"In his early years, he performed with his brother, Bill. As a family man, his love of music soothed babies to sleep as he rocked in the old oak rocking chair or set toes tapping when he was in a playful mood.
"He was an avid boxing fan, and the house was quiet on Friday evenings so Dad could watch the Friday Night Fights on TV. During his farming years, many bull calves were named after favorite boxers.
"A love of the soil saw him growing a big garden until his 91st year. He took pride in its bounty, his beautiful flowers and unique irrigation system," his family said..
Although he never completed high school, "he was a smart man who earned his GED at 68. He and Pearl loved to play games and intimidated some of their children with their prowess at word games. He had a love of learning and encouraged his children to pursue education. Their achievements and successes were a source of joy to him and Pearl."
He is survived by: his wife, Pearl daughters Lois (Gary) Swope, Donna (Troy) Unruh, Julie (Les) Heasley, Linda (Charlie) Arrendale, Virginia (Lindsay) Johnson and Kathy Ruby; sons David (Nancy) Ruby and James (Amy) Ruby; 21 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Earle was preceded in death by: his five brothers, Les, Ray, Jim, Clifford, and Bill; a son, Michael Earle Ruby,and a granddaughter, Jenalie Ruby.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Horizon Home Health & Hospice, 560 N. 6th East St., Mountain Home, ID 83646.
Family and friends may send memories or condolences to the family at the funeral chapel web site: alsipfuneralchapel.com.