Mary Ruby Crowson September 15, 1923 – May 10, 2010
Mary Ruby Crowson, wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, ascended into heaven on May 10, 2010. Ruby’s remarkably rich life was characterized by a passion for serving others, taking care of her family and friends and living life to its fullest.
Born to Tommy and Annie Lou Rogers in Louisville, Mississippi on September 15, 1923, Ruby began her life in the most humble of circumstances. Hard years on the farm, as part of a large family, instilled the strongest work ethic, sense of responsibility and strength of character that served her well during her extraordinary journey through this world. She was the eternal caregiver, always putting everyone else’s needs above her own. She took great pride in her lifelong vocation as a tailor and worked full time until she was 80 years old. She never once complained about the sacrifices she made for her family and loved ones.
She came from a musical family and taught all her children how to sing and harmonize. Her passion for music, dancing, sewing, helping others and generally extracting the last ounce of fun from any situation transcended the hardships she faced throughout her life and defined her as the beautiful person they all loved so dearly. As the wife of a career army soldier, she was a soldier of compassion and service to others as she lived and traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad.
Her parents; her twin sister, Ruth; son, Tommy Joe, and husband, Crandler, preceded her in death. Brothers, Duane and Roy and sisters, Lois, Evelyn and Willa also preceded her.
She leaves behind her son, J.R. Crowson (Sharon) of Tucson; twin daughters, Margaret Ann (Gary) and Mary Evelyn (R.B.) of Mount Ayr, Iowa; son, Carey (Lana) of Des Moines, Iowa; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; special friend, George, and friends and family too numerous to name.
They will miss her terribly because she was such a special lady who so enriched their lives with her zest for living, her optimism and her compassion for others. Wear your favorite color red in Heaven, Ruby, sing ’til your heart’s content, and take care of the other angels. Your mission here is complete.
A memorial service was held at Cascades of Tucson on Friday, May 14, 2010 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity and say a prayer for Ruby.
