Frances Filardo Ruby, 95, passed away at 5:22 pm Wednesday, February 8, 2012 with her family by her side at Provision Living in Godfrey under the care of Saint Anthony’s Hospice.
She was born July 21, 1916 at her home in the Little Italy section of Wood River, to the late Gaetano and Theresa (Penzabene) Filardo.
She married Manford “Ford” Ruby on December 19, 1947 at the 12th Street Presbyterian Church in Alton by the Rev. Paul Krebs. He survives.
Frances graduated from the St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in 1937; Frances worked as a private duty nurse for the Duncan family of Alton. In 1959 she was hired by the Sisters of St. Francis as one of the first or “The” first lay nurse for St. Anthony’s Hospital, where she worked as a floor nurse and later as supervisor of Extended Care. After retiring in 1980, Fran joined the Auxiliary and knitted over 1000 baby caps for newborns. Her loving hands also created many afgans and quilts for grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved to travel, as well play cards and Bingo with family and friends at East Alton and Wood River Senior Citizens centers. One of her favorite activities was cooking and spending time with her family, and she was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. Her days were strengthened by prayer.
She is survived by a daughter; Pamela Kodros and her husband Mark Beck of Brighton, two sons; Kevin Ruby and his companion Dawn Robertson of Wood River, Robert and his wife Kim Ruby of Wood River, six grandchildren and their spouses; Diane and Mike Schuette, John and Kelly Kodros, Thomas and Amanda Kodros, Patrick Ruby, Zac Beck, and Cody Beck, twelve great grandchildren; Ryan Schuette, Megan Schuette, Draven Choat, Alexandra Kodros, Jacob Kodros, Lauren Kodros, Claire Kodros, Trisha Frazier, Kristen Ruby, Shane Beck, and Nevaeha Haven.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sister, Mary Palermo and Josephine Rallo, and three brothers, Vincent, Tony and John.
Visitation will be from 2 until 5 pm, Sunday, February 12, 2012 at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton, where the Funeral Service will be at 10 am, on Monday, February 13, 2012 with Fr. Shawn Monohan O.M.V. officiating.
Burial will follow at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey.
Memorials may be directed to the Saint Anthony’s Foundation.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com