Isabel Smith Ruby, 1920 – 2011

Isabel Smith Ruby, 91, of Charlottesville, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, died peacefully at the University of Virginia Medical Center on Thursday, June 16, 2011.

She was born April 11, 1920 in Forest Glen, Maryland, the youngest child of the late Maurice Smith and Alice Lonergan Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony Paul Ruby; her brothers, Edmund and William Smith; and her sister, Katharine Smith Adams. She is survived by her son, James Anthony Ruby of Brookeville, MD, and his wife, Linda Henry Ruby, and by their son and daughter-in-law Keil and Kirsten Ruby of Elkridge, MD. She is also survived by her daughter, Lisa Marshall, her husband Michael Marshall of Crozet as well as three granddaughters, Allie Pesch and her husband A.J. Pesch of Crozet, Margaret Marshall of Charlottesville, and Isabelle Marshall of Crozet as well as great-grandchildren Louisa and Leo Pesch. In addition, she leaves behind a dear friend, June Carpenter of Oriental, North Carolina, and many nieces and nephews.

Isabel graduated from St. Cecilia’s Academy in Washington, DC. After she married, she traveled with her husband to Air Force postings across the world, from Oahu to Colorado Springs, to Germany and back to Andrews Air Force Base in Camp Springs, Maryland. They retired to Oriental, North Carolina, where both enjoyed living on the water and made many friends. After her husband’s death in 1980, Isabel moved to Charlottesville, a place she frequently declared her love for. She spent many happy years taking trips with her friends, playing bridge, and spending time with her grandchildren, who loved playing with the dollhouses she built for them and devouring the grilled cheeses and milkshakes that Granny always made best.

Isabel was a world-class housekeeper and until the end of her days her home was ready to receive the queen of England or the First Lady at a moment’s notice. An expert needlewoman, she excelled in dressmaking, upholstery, tailoring, crocheting, and knitting. She enjoyed many years as an active member of the DAR, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and the Colonial Dames.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Western Albemarle Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 188, Crozet, VA 22932 and would like especially to thank the caring doctors, nurses and staff of 3 East and West at the University Hospital.

A requiem mass will be celebrated at the Church of the Holy Comforter in Charlottesville, Virginia on Wednesday, June 22 at 10 a.m. by Father Gerald Fogarty.

Interment will follow at Rockgate Cemetery in Crozet.

Anderson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on St. George Avenue on Crozet on June 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.