Ruby Ellen Ray

Lifelong Roundup resident, Ruby Ellen Ray, passed away on April 26, 2020 at Roundup Memorial Healthcare. She was one week past her 99th birthday.

Ruby was born on April 19th, 1921, to Clyde and Carrie Cross, the second of eight children. She married Buster Ray on July 18, 1940, and moved to the Seattle area for a very short period while Buster worked for Boeing Aircraft during the war. On their return to Roundup, Ruby and Buster settled in and she raised two boys while Buster went to work in the coal mines. They lived in the home Buster built slowly as finances allowed, and Ruby lived there for 70 years. Buster passed away in 1978, and Ruby continued to work at Gambles and the Pioneer Cafe well into her eighties. She had the privilege of watching all four of her grandkids grow to adulthood, and having children of their own.

To say Ruby was an independent soul would be an understatement! She lived alone and was still driving her car until this past August. She had many friends, and could be seen out and about almost daily. She loved to "visit her niece for coffee" at the Lucky Star. She knew a lot of people, but seldom knew their last name. That was immaterial in her book. She was a prolific quilter in her later years, and even made one last quilt while in the nursing home.

She always had concern for her many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews that live both in Roundup or across the country. She will be missed!

Ruby was predeceased by her husband Buster; her parents, Carrie and Clyde Cross; her siblings, Mildred Paulin, Helen Strand, Norma Snuff er, Floyd Cross, and two sisters who died in infancy. She is survived by her brother Delmar Cross of Billings; sons Gary (Cathy), Bud (Bea); her grandchildren John (Tracy) of Woodinville, WA, Jodi (Travis Kabalin) of Manhattan, MT, Wade (Pam) of Roundup, Dan (Tana) of Roundup; and her great grandchildren Mackenzie and Taylor Ray, Abby and Emma Kabalin, and James and Kyle Ray.

Due to the Covid-19 virus guidelines, there will be graveside services on Friday May 1st, 2020, at 1:00 PM and must be restricted to family only with social distancing protocol being observed by each family group. http://www.wierfuneralhome.com