Ruby Lorene Laubinger of Gerald, MO, passed away at her home on Sunday morning, May 15, 2016 as the sun rose over her farm, surrounded by her family at the age of 94 years, eight months and 11 days. She was able to spend her last few hours in the beloved cabin she restored while enjoying the sounds of the birds and the view she spent so many years perfecting.
Ruby was born September 4, 1921 on a farm in Salem, MO to John Harvey and Minnie May (Hubbard) DePriest. Being the youngest girl and the second youngest in her family of 11, Ruby grew up spoiled by her older siblings. She said, “They treated me as the most perfect little girl; like I could do no wrong.” Her older sisters made her doll clothes, while she and her brother Carl would take little Harvey out to play in his buggy. Ruby achieved a teaching certificate from high school before moving to St. Louis, MO on her 18th birthday to attend business school and work as a nanny.
While in St. Louis, Ruby met her future husband Albert C. “Bud” Laubinger, from Gerald, MO. Bud and Ruby were married in 1940 and had three children; two daughters, Margaret “Peggy” Harney (husband Jim) of St. Louis, MO, Patricia “Patty” Brandt (husband Gary) of St. Louis; one son, Dwayne Laubinger of Olathe, KS. In addition to caring for and spoiling her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with love, Ruby managed a lunch counter in Hampton Village and later was the head cashier at Kroger’s grocery store. After she retired, Ruby took every opportunity she had to visit and care for her grandchildren. Her days were filled with her favorite activities; sewing, upholstering, gardening, volunteering, traveling, cooking and hosting gatherings for her family and friends. Ruby was known for her quick wit and ability to build anything. At the age of 72, she used her determination, creativity and resourcefulness to restore her husband’s family’s 130 year-old log cabin in Gerald, MO. It was there that she spent the last 22 years of her life. Ruby was loved by everyone she met and considered all her family. It was not unusual for her to say, “Come visit me” or to host multiple dinner parties a week. Ruby was cherished and will be missed by all who knew her. As a mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend, she touched the lives of countless people.
She is survived by her three children, 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Along with her husband Bud, Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, seven brothers, and three sisters.
As Ruby would say, “Love ya, love ya, love ya”.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 from 3-8 p.m., at Ruby’s home, 7170 Highway H, Gerald, MO. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m., Thursday, May 19, 2016 from St. Gerald Catholic Church in Gerald, MO with the Rev. Fathers James Foster and James Fender officiating. Interment will follow in Laubinger Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family desires memorials be made to the Laubinger Memorial Cemetery Association, c/o Mr. Dale Schumke, 19 Whitney Lane, Union, Missouri 63084.
Arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan, MO.
Friend’s may sign the family’s online guestbook at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.