Obituary of Ruby C. Hill

To the most beautiful and lively mother, grandmother, sister, and friend this world has ever known: Ruby C. Hill, (June 11, 1959 - November 5, 2023)

Born from the union of James & Mary Whited beneath the skies of small-town Iowa on the eve of June 11th, 1959, Ruby C. Hill of Duenweg, MO, formerly Clarinda, IA, came into the world headfirst and head strong as she began the circle of life. On November 5, 2023, surrounded by loved ones, she departed on a new journey to join our ancestors and loved ones above. 

Ruby spent her life as a nonconformist, filled with humor and adventure (and more than one wild night.) She grew up in Southern Iowa and attended Clarinda High School; from there, she spent most of her adult life in Southwest Missouri & Northeast Oklahoma. She was happily divorced from at least two men, the first of which (also happily divorced & remarried) gave her the greatest loves of her life: her two sons. She is preceded in death by her late husband, Robert “Bob” Hill, and brothers, Larry and Jim Whited. Ruby’s spirit lives on through her sons John and Jeremiah Block, granddaughters Shalaela Block, Searria Gayman, Taylor Block, and Ryllie Block, her four great-grandchildren Rowynn, Paisleigh, Everleigh, and Ryder, her sisters, Debbie Schmidt and Sandy Greever, and a handful of dearly loved nieces and nephews, each embodying the continuation of her legacy. All of whom loved her dearly and will never forget her humor, her smile, grace (when called for), and tenacious laughter.

Ruby’s passion for caring for others was a pertinent aspect of her career and personality that developed quite young, helping her mother as a young girl in the nursing homes. That heart for others carried her through adulthood as she went on to graduate nursing school as an LPN—a title she adorned with compassion, wit, and humor as she worked alongside some of her greatest friends in life.

Her adventures didn’t stop there, though, with careers as a business owner, trucker, and her son’s everything-manager. Her greatest role, however, was grandma. From the time her grandchildren first came into her life to her last breath, she was there for their every moment. Supporting their dreams, sharing memories, and helping them grow into successful young women.

She collected books, movies, Native American memorabilia, clothes and wolf-shaped-everything, and…well, you get the point. She was a “collector” and knew it well, noting before her passing, “I don’t know what you’re gonna do with all my shit, just make sure your dad doesn’t leave it in storage forever.” She was world renowned for her lack of patience, telling it like it is, and never holding back an opinion. With that said, she was genuine with one of the biggest hearts the world has ever known. Her vocabulary, though extensive, was more than proficient at knowing more curse words and off-the-wall insults than most people learn in their entire lifetime. Everyone always knew where you stood with her—she liked you, or she didn’t (or she hadn’t decided yet.) She was a master in the kitchen, teaching us her signature dishes throughout the years (because no one makes pumpkin pie like grandma can.) She was rowdy and vivacious but knew how and when to be stern. She was caring, colorful, and kind. She was everything, to everyone. A mother, a sister, a grandmother, a friend, and most importantly, someone we loved beyond measure whose presence will be missed beyond what words can describe. 

Dancing in heaven now with our loved ones at the Pearly Gates, we remember her spirit and carry it with us for the rest of our days.