Ruby See

Ruby Dolores (Dee) See was born in Confluence, PA on April 14, 1931. She was raised by her grandparents, Sylvester and Mary Skinner, and her mother, Thelma McCarty, within a large family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. At age 15, Ruby moved to the midwest where other family members had relocated, ultimately settling in Iowa. Eventually she met and married Willie E. See of Nevada, IA.

In 1960, Ruby moved to Ames, IA with her three young children where she attended and graduated from cosmetology school. From there, she moved to Marshalltown where she opened her own shop and worked as a beautician for many years. Her first shop was located in the back of Hinshaw’s Barber Shop on Main Street. Later she rented space in the Pentz Appliances building and also, she lived for a while on Anson Street where she worked from a home-based shop located downstairs in that home.

In addition to working as a beautician, Ruby also worked in food services over the years, including as a waitress at Stone’s Restaurant. She owned and operated the Landmark Cafe in LeGrand at one point. Ruby liked to travel. After her kids were grown, she lived and worked in several different states, including: Wisconsin; Colorado; Hawaii; Wyoming; Oregon; California; Nevada; and Washington. While living in California she completed coursework to become a massage therapist, although she never worked professionally as such. Only lucky family members got to benefit from her gentle, healing touch as a masseuse.

Ruby was devoted to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Most of her moves involved relocating to settle in and help raise the latest batch of youngins. She enjoyed music, especially classic country, and she loved to sing. She liked to dance and enjoyed reading. But mostly she loved helping take care of her family, which she continued to do all her life. The last years of her life were spent living in Marshalltown in the home of her eldest son, Kerry. She died of natural causes on October 11, 2023. She was 92.

Ruby will be missed by many people, including her children: Kerry, Curtis, and Deborah. Her grandchildren: Luke, Andrea, Mike, and Grady. And her great-grandchildren: Trinity, Justice, Kendall, Kaynen, McKaylie, Tyrell, Liam, Lucille, and Elliott. By her siblings: Edna, Gary, Brenda, Kenny, and Kent. By the spouses of all those named above and by other family members and friends, too numerous to list. Ruby was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Ellen, and siblings: Jim, Wayne, Janet, and Karen.

Kerry, Curtis, and Deborah wish to thank the employees at Southridge Specialty Care, Care Initiatives Hospice, and Mitchell Funeral Home for all their support and loving care during Ruby’s last days. And a special thank you to Kathy, Ruby’s roommate at Southridge. You all helped ease the way.

* Please support the above agencies with any donations you might care to give rather than providing food or flowers to Ruby’s family.