"I remember Ruby when I was her neighbor for 3 or 4 years and I thought she was a really neat lady. She was about 25 years older than I was, but she went up and down stairs better than I did. She just seemed to be a very enegetic and cheerful person. I know that Ruby will be missed very much. May the Lord God be with family and friends and may He strengthen and comfort you. I am just sorry that I did not learn of her passing until Thursday, Jan. 14th. With Deepest Sympathy, Bob and Connie Worthman "
In loving memory of
Ruby Crooks, 91
January 6, 2010
Ruby, daughter of Charles Dillard Vandell and Dora Elizabeth Casey was born on August 15, 1918, in Wayne County, Iowa. She passed away at the age of 91 on January 6, 2010 at Lucas, Iowa, at her son, Danny Crooks' home, having fought cancer since April, 2009.
Ruby's early years were spent in Wayne and Lucas counties, attending schools in Clio, Allerton, and Corydon. She graduated from Norwood in 1936, where she played center for the girls' basketball team.
On June 19, 1941 Ruby married Wilford Miles Crooks in Ocean Park, California. She worked as a waitress in a delicatessen in Long Beach before being employed by MacDonald Douglass Aircraft, installing liters to bring the wounded home during WWII. She and Wilford returned to Iowa in 1944 and began farming in Liberty Township in Lucas County. They were the parents of two children, Danny Richard, born July 28, 1946 and Annabelle Marlene, born November 4, 1952. Ruby stayed on the farm after Wilford's death on June 28, 1959 and continued to manage it with Wilford's brother-in-law, Robert (Bob) Willis as a partnership. Her circumstances required that she also work outside the home; her employment included the Lucas County ASCS office for 10 years and Dixon Contractors for five years. She retired in 1982.
After relinquishing the farm operation to son, Danny, Ruby moved to Chariton and lived in her apartment on the square for the next 36 years. She became active in the Lucas County Historical Society and was a proud contributor to the massive effort of compiling a county history for publication. Additionally, she was a member of the Old Thirteen DAR chapter and The Order of the Eastern Star (Woodburn) and served in many different capacities in these organizations for the benefit of others. She was a member of the Norwood United Methodist Church for many years. Ruby was a people person. She loved to travel and visit others and enjoyed people stopping by. Her upbeat, positive attitude even in hard times was amazing and infectious to those around her. If you needed help, Ruby could be counted as the first person to give of her time generously.
Ruby was devoted to her family and friends and understood that those relationships were truly meant to be nurtured and treasured. She especially loved to spend time with the children, attending their activities, playing cards and games, admiring artistic creations, reading stories and just being a part of their lives. Her own favorite expression, "how about that!" understates the impact she had on so many lives.
Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, C.D. and Dora Vandell, husband, Wilford, granddaughter, Monica Crooks, daughter-in-law, Bertha Crooks, son-in-law Neal Mack, brothers Ralph (Ercell), Dale, Dwight, and Kenneth, sisters Imogene (LeRoy) Harlan, Marie Johnson, and Erma (Raymond) Leach, sisters-in-law Wanda (Robert) Willis and Geneva (Omar) Coffman.
Survivors include:
Her son, Danny (Peggy) Crooks of Lucas, grandsons, Erich (Jo) Wilson of Clinton, MO., Jonathan (Amy) Wilson of Pleasant Hill, Matt (Brooke) Crooks of Urbandale, granddaughter Chelsea (Jonathan) Van Zee, of Waukee, and great-grandchildren Lexi Wilson, Carter Wilson-Gustafson, Samuel Wilson, Elijah Van Zee, and Neva Wilson.
Her daughter Annabelle Mack of West Des Moines, grandson Thomas (Laura) Mack of Narberth, PA., granddaughter Elizabeth Mack of Lincoln, NE.
Her twin sister Ruth Curtis, sister Evelyn Fogle, both of Chariton, brother Robert (Vi) Vandell of Des Moines, sisters-in-law Mary Vandell and Virginia Vandell of Humeston, brother-in-law Boyse Johnson of Ankeny, her special friend Victor Johnson of Chariton, and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at Pierschbacher's Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa on Saturday, January 9, 2010 with visitation at 10:00am, service at 11:00am and a luncheon at the Cornerstone Community Church after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Circle of Life Hospice of Chariton and John Stoddard Cancer Center.
Tributes
"The Ladies of the Lake Chapter of Spirit Lake, Iowa; Daughters of the American Revolution want to express our sympathies to the family and friends of Ruby Crooks. Thinking you at this sad time. Remembering your loved one and what a wonderful woman she was. In every heart she touched, in every life she changed, in every thought she inspired her love lives on. Love to you, Colleen Lemkuil Regent "
"We wish to extend our heartfelt prayers to the family"
"To Ruby's family, We only knew Ruby through DAR State Conference meetings, but we know the closeness she shared with her twin sister. Where one was, you could find the other. Sisterhood is a bond that only those who share it, can only know the feelings that go along with it. May you all know the bonds of friendship and love of DAR sisters. "
"Danny and Annabelle, I was shocked and saddened to hear of your Mothers passing. I remember how helpful she was when my Mother and Father both passed on. Our deepest Sympathy to all of you. Dave and Lynn"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We will be thinking of you as you go through the healing process. "
"Ruby was a beautiful person through & through; I am lucky to have shared a few moments with her in my life. To her family, may your memories give you peace at heart, and the love of those around you help you through the coming days."
"There are no words to express how much I will miss my second mommie..So intertwined were the lives of our mothers... a bond I believe few could ever know but they were blessed to have experienced together for 91 years. I pray for comfort and peace to all of you through the tough days ahead. My love to each of you, Danny,Peggy,Annabelle and the entire family. In Deepest Sympathy, Julie"