Ruby Elaine Ringhand, 83

Ruby Elaine Ringhand, 83, of Careywood, went to be with our Heavenly Father, July 16, 2012, passing peacefully with her family by her side. Ruby was born Aug. 16, 1928, in Viroqua, Wis., to William and Nora (Fortun) Zitzner, just one of eight children.

She grew up on a farm with her family, but struck out on her own at an early age. She was a very intelligent woman who, after leaving home, was able to successfully gain employment as a data key operator on what we would consider one of the earliest “computers” for IBM. She lived in Wisconsin most of her life in the Viroqua, Lacrosse, and Madison areas. She married Roland Ringhand, a man in uniform, whom she always referred to as “Daddy” on Dec. 23, 1950, at the age of 22. Three children were to follow: Ronald, Roderic and Robin.

Family, other than God, was probably the most important priority for her. When her oldest son, Ron, married and moved to Idaho in 1976, Ruby decided she could not remain distant from her family, and she soon relocated, with her other two children shortly behind. Land was purchased in Careywood and they settled in, with all her children building houses just next door on all sides. Soon many grandchildren were to follow. Thirteen, to be exact, and one could always find Ruby out pitching a game of baseball, playing “bear in the woods,” and playing pranks and teasing. Very young at heart, she, known as “Grandma Ruby,” found her place with children for many years, serving as a bus driver, an AWANA leader, a Sunday school teacher, hosting youth group parties, and even helping her son, Ric, with youth group.

Ruby was extremely hospitable. She would not be content until she served. Ironically, she thought she was not very adept at conversation and people skills, but in fact, she possessed a skill covered with love that many of us will never possess. She was the life of the party and she never needed someone to cheer her on. She was her own and everyone else’s cheerleader. She was constantly throwing huge family dinners, barbecues and spur of the moment get-togethers. Even if one had just eaten, it was an impossible feat to leave Ruby’s house without a stomach full of food, a smile and a heart full of love.

Ruby had a lasting impact on so many people and her love for the Lord was contagious. She loved all types of ministry, never taking note of the things she did, but always being appreciative of the things others were doing for the Lord. She loved everyone unconditionally and she lived life to the fullest. Her bright and joyous smile would light up any room and her voice would always fill it with her “trumpeting” of a hymn or a chorus. She wanted nothing more than to share Jesus with the world. Ruby’s love of life and of everyone she came into contact with will be truly missed and mourned.

Ruby is survived by her ever loving husband, Roland, of 61 years; her sister, Elizabeth Call of Arlington, Va.; two sons and daughters-in-law, Ron and Bette Ringhand, Ric and Leslie Ringhand, both of Careywood; and daughter Robin Collie of Post Falls. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers: Marion, Virgil, Floyd, Erman and Beuford; and one sister, Beatrice.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 28, 2012, at Grace Bible Church, Hayden. Reception potluck to follow.

Condolences may be sent to 2332 Bayview Road, Athol, ID 83801.

Please visit Ruby’s memorial and sign her online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.