June 1921 ~ November 2019
Ruby, one of six children, was born June 4, 1921 to Dorothy and Carl Swanson in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. The family moved to Oregon in 1923 and then settled in Denair in 1933.
Ruby graduated with honors from Denair High School as senior class president with a gold seal on her diploma as a lifetime member of the California Scholarship Federation. Ruby was sports editor of her school paper.
She earned a business degree from Stockton College and worked for Cal-Water until her marriage to Richard Sperry in 1943. Together they worked on their ranch on the NE corner of Keyes and Sperry Roads. She also worked for the Hershey’s Plant for 12 years.
Ruby leaves behind her daughter Marla Schaefer and former son in law John Schaefer; daughter Marlene (Dale) Himes; granddaughters Bonnie (Brian) Cozad, Lori (Andy) Vargas and Carol (Ken) Schaefer; great grandchildren Chloe and Aiden Vargas and brother Richard (Betty) Swanson.
Those who knew Ruby appreciated her knowledge of team sports, mainly the SF Giants and New England Patriots and her intense love for her family, making holidays really special. Remembrance donations can be made to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356 or Denair High School FFA.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 18, 2019 from 4pm – 7pm at Allen Mortuary.
A private graveside will be held.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.AllenMortuary.com
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Cheryl Montgomery Cline says
November 19, 2019 at 5:46 amMARLA & MARLENE, Your mom was an amazing woman and had a nice long life! Sorry for your loss too! May you find peace and comfort in the coming months! Sorry to miss the viewing too. LOVINGLY Cheryl (Montgomery) Cline
Betty CAMPIDONICA says
November 16, 2019 at 6:27 amMarlene,
Your mom was one hard working dairy lady.
All that work kept her young. You take care and enjoy all those happy memories!!!
Charlotte ( Gault ) VanZyle says
November 16, 2019 at 1:45 amMarla & Marleen,
My main memories of Ruby are that she was a friend of my parents, having gone to High School in Denair together.
I know Ruby was especially fond of my mother, Vera.
On a trip to visit her with my dad, she was able to help me get him to agree to getting a “life alert system” like she had ! A big help.
You both did a wonderful job taking care of her and honoring
her wishes to stay living in her own home for as long as possible. Is very hard, I know as both my parents insisted on the same !!
I think she was the last in our group of “The Great Generation” members. Lives well lived !
Lanita Moen says
November 13, 2019 at 10:59 pmWhat a strong and beautiful woman she was. Many pleasant memories of her. May your memories sustain you Marla and Marlene. You have been wonderful daughters who cared for her well! No regrets!!