Ruby LaVonna Bailey Obituary (2024)

Ruby L. Bailey, age 92, peacefully passed away on February 14, 2024, in Yakima, Washington, at the Cottage in the Meadow Hospice facility. Loving family and attentive friends kept her company in her final days as she fought a short, but difficult battle against lymphoma. Even in those last moments, she never lost her hope, zest for life, or the ability to look on the positive side of her situation. Ruby was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on October 15, 1931, to Floyd and Nellie Dale. She was the eldest daughter of the six children, born to Floyd and Nellie, and was always willing to share stories about her childhood, which spoke of the life of an era gone by. Growing up, her best friend was her sister, Joanne. They were very close in age, and as teenagers often went to social outings and on double dates together. However, Ruby stayed very close to all her siblings. Many family members have shared memories of the shenanigans Ruby, Joanne, and Char would get into during family gatherings over the years. The best Christmases were spent with the siblings bringing their spouses and families together in Yakima to celebrate the holiday with their mother, Nellie. In 1945, when Ruby was 14 years old, the family moved to Yakima, Washington, where she eventually married and raised her two daughters, Rhonda, and Denise. Her primary career was working for the AT&T Phone Company, and it was from here that she eventually retired. After her girls were grown, she lived primarily on the west side of Washington state, residing first in Kelso, then Vancouver, and finally building her dream home in Shelton. Ruby eventually found her way back to Yakima, Washington once again in 2015, when she relocated one final time to be closer to her daughters and grandchildren and to help take care of her youngest daughter, Denise, with her many health struggles. Ruby was one of the most graceful, and ladylike individuals you would ever meet. Etiquette, social graces, beautiful dinner parties, and maintaining a beautiful home were all things she prided herself in. She was always redecorating and modifying her living areas to her impeccable tastes. Even in this last year she had made good on her intentions to upgrade several things on her final home in Yakima. Ruby was a lifelong member of the League of Women Voters. She began volunteering with this organization while she resided in Yakima, Washington, but eventually became the chairman of the Mason County Branch. She was a lifelong learner, extremely well read, and frequently took classes at the community colleges in the many places she lived. While living in Shelton, Washington, she and her sister, Joanne, organized and directed a local book club. Ruby also volunteered in the local schools for many years, as a reading tutor. She thrived on social engagements and participated in many other clubs and organizations over the years. Her personal hobbies always included sewing, quilting, cross stitch, reading, and card games, such as Bridge and Pinochle. Throughout the years, many family members have been blessed by her gifts of quilts and cross stitch art pieces. Truly, she was a gifted individual! She was such a ray of sunshine and love for her family and friends, and she loved them all very deeply! Her optimism about life gave her an attitude of positivity that was contagious to those around her. Her willingness to learn about the world and understand people drew others in. Her zest to persevere despite any circumstances which came her way, was deeply inspiring. Our world has lost a soul who was very, very worth knowing, but we know heaven has gained another gem. Ruby is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Nellie Dale, brothers, Gary Dale and Gordan Dale, her sister, Joanne Kester, and her daughter, Denise Hansen. She is survived by her sister, Char Evans, and brother-in-law, Jim Evans, daughter, Rhonda Horobiowski, and son-in-law, Ted Horobiowski. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Andy Purvis and his wife, Amber, and their children, Archer and Adam; grandson, Clayton Purvis; granddaughter, Erika Tomeo and her husband, Chibron, and their children, Chibron Jr., Chanel, and Shanaya; granddaughter, Sarah Wright and her husband, Jason and their children, Anastasia and Luke; grandson, Mathew Hansen and his wife, Shayla and their children, Angel, Brigit and Richie. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 1:00pm, at Brookside Funeral Home (500 W. Prospect, Moxee, WA), with a Reception immediately following. Flowers and condolences can be sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com. Memorial Service Brookside Funeral Home Monday, March 4, 2024 1:00 PM 500 W. Prospect Rd Moxee, WA 98936 Reception Brookside Funeral Home Monday, March 4, 2024 2:00 PM 500 W. Prospect Rd Moxee, WA 98936 Immediately following Service.