Ruby Clarice Stephenson Smith, 94, passed away in Lincoln, Nebraska on Wednedsay, May 26, 2010. She was the second oldest child and oldest daughter of Bess and Maurice Stephenson. She grew up with her four siblings in Moorefield, Nebraska in a family of musicians, and was very accomplished on both the piano and the clarinet. At the age of fourteen she won a talent award from radio station KRVN, and at the age of sixteen, having skipped two grades in school, graduated from Moorefield High School and was awarded a full Regents Scholarship to the University of Nebraska.
Ruby’s parents thought she was too young to go to college at sixteen, so she stayed at home for a year, and then began dating her future husband, Chester Smith. They were married on August 31, 1935 in her parents’ home. They moved to Brady, Nebraska, where they resided the rest of their married life, 61 years, except during World War II and shortly afterward, when Ruby joined Chester where he was stationed in Livermore, California. Ruby and Chester raised three children, Terry, Allegra and Malcolm.
Ruby gave private lessons in piano and tap dancing, and had many students during her private teaching years. She loved education, and took classes in dance at the University of Colorado while Chester was attending summer school classes there. After putting all three children through college she fulfilled one of her lifelong dreams, and received her Bachelor of Science in Education degree with honors from the University of Nebraska in Kearney. She was an intrepid commuter between Brady, North Platte and Kearney, in her green VW “bug,” to advance her education, never letting weather deter her. She taught school for several years and taught Adult Basic Education classes at North Platte Community College for many years. She was an inspiration to her students.
Her family was the central focus of her life. She was devoted to all her grandchildren and enjoyed attending all of their many events and performances. Numerous travel adventures with her children and grandchildren gave her, and them, enormous pleasure.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was deeply religious, and lived her beliefs every day of her life. She was deeply loved, and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her daughter Terry and son-In-law Gary Trego of North Platte, daughter Allegra and son-in-law Chuck Penington of Lincoln, and son Malcolm and daughter-in-law Cindy Smith of Elsmere; eight grandchildren, Ashley Penington, Logan Penington, Traci Dugan, Casey Trego, and George Smith, Elizabeth Berkland, Sarah Smith and Chester Smith. She is also survived by her sister Joan O’Rourke and six great grandchildren, Matthew and Mia Dugan, Carson and Chase Trego, and Jay and Lynn Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ruby was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Chester L. Smith, sister Zella Mae Kieth, and brothers Merle Stephenson and Fay Stephenson.
Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Saturday (5-29-10) Roper and Sons Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street. Pastor David Lux officiating.
Visitation beginning 3:00 p.m. Friday until service time, funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to the Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha, or to the family.