Ruby Ruth Reecewas born on a farm in Washington County on May 6, 1925. She was the daughter of a family of Swedish descent, Victor and Agnes (Hedin) Hendrickson. On Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013, Ruby went to be with her Heavenly Father after a prolonged illness.
Ruby graduated from Concordia High School and Kansas State University, and she attended the University of Kansas-School of Nursing. It was there that she met the love of her life, Dr. Richard J. Reece. Dr. Reece served in the Korean War in Japan, was a health department director in the state of Colorado and was a founding partner of United Radiology, here in Salina, in 1971.
Ruby quietly worked behind the scenes in serving people of Salina. She and Dr. Reece were the spark in creating the original Salina Central Booster Club when they moved to town from Lakewood, Colo. Salina Central hadn’t previously had one.
She had a heart for children and, along with Wanda Macy, founded a program called Mornings Out For Moms, which worked to help young mothers in caring for their children. This program eventually developed into the Child Advocacy and Parenting Services organization, known as CAPS.
Ruby served on various medical auxiliaries and supported hospital fund-raising projects.
During her life, Ruby enjoyed bridge with friends, travel with her husband on Jayhawk tours, their chalet in Colorado, her faith journey and time spent at Sunrise Presbyterian Church, and her stays at Eaglecrest and Presbyterian Manor. Most recently, she attended Trinity United Methodist Church, and she always looked forward to Sundays.
She loved children and had four of her own: Richard Reece (Beth), of Littleton, Colo., Marlis Wilbur (Tom), of Salina, Robin Koken (Michael), of Colorado Springs, Colo., and John Reece (Cindy), of Colorado Springs. Ruby had six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Her family was the pride of her life and she loved cats, too, including Patches, at the Manor.
The memorial service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 740 E. Neal, Salina, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, with the Rev. Barry Dundas presiding.
Ruby will be interred in Gypsum Hill Cemetery, alongside her husband.
Ryan Mortuary, Salina, is handling the arrangements.
Donations in Ruby’s name may be made to CAPS, 155 N. Oakdale Ave., Suite 200, Salina 67401, in lieu of flowers.