Ruby’s love of music began at an early age and continued throughout her life. She enjoyed playing the coronet while in school and sang at every opportunity. Ruby enjoyed working at the local movie theatre while roller skating was a favorite pastime. Ruby was Honored Queen of Job’s Daughters, Bethel #37 in Ainsworth. She graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1952. On May 28, 1954 Ruby Doll Jackson Guilfoil married Paul A. Larsen. They spent the majority of their married lives in Springview, Nebraska where they raised their four daughters. Ruby was an active member of the Springview United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir & participated in all aspects of the Christian community. She was also active in the American Legion Auxillary, was an Avon representative for many years and worked at the local grocery store. Ruby was not necessarily the greatest cook, however she was known as the Best Pie Maker Ever! In 1978, Paul and Ruby moved to Chadron, Nebraska where she managed the Best Western West Hills Inn for many years. Ruby moved to Deadwood, South Dakota to manage the historic Franklin Hotel and later continued her career in hotel management in Gering, Nebraska. Ruby then made a career and life change by moving to Muskegon, Michigan to become a nanny. While living in Michigan, Ruby met and married Ronald “Red” Garrett in April of 1998. They enjoyed traveling and made trips to Europe with the Central United Methodist Church choir of Muskegon, Michigan. Ruby enjoyed her involvement in P.E.O. International & became a lifetime member. After Red’s death, she made the decision to move home to Nebraska. Ruby spent her next ten years singing in the choir at Trinity United Methodist Church, enjoying P.E.O. activities and socializing with her friends at Burke Plaza. They enjoyed countless hours of cards, bingo, shuffleboard, puzzles etc. Nothing was more important to Ruby than her family. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and her great- grandchildren. Ruby spread happiness throughout her entire life!
Family members include four daughters and their families: Stephanie Ann (Randy) Hartman, of Valley, Nebraska. Christopher Hartman, Staci (Robb) Nelson, Rigleigh & Rowdy Nelson, Angela (Chad) Miles, Cooper, Avery & Callie Miles, Laura (Toby) Throener, Tenley & Tucker Throener; Sue Ellen (Neil) McCormick, of Paia, Maui, Hawaii. Samaroune Loeung, Ryder & Kaia Joy Loeung, Chantel (Will) Osborn, Myles Lyons-McCormick, Ruby, Shain, Chance, & Stevee Osborn, Shawna (Jeremy) Sobaski, & Brooklynn McCormick; Paula Kay Larsen of Grand Island, Nebraska. Alicia Larsen, Dalton Hawkins, Allyson Larsen, Jase Musil, Miranda Petersen, Brian (Morgan) Larsen, & Hunter; Jill Marie (Rob) Dick of Chesapeake, Virginia , Brittany(Chris) Kimball, Luca Kimball & Jaxon Dick. Additional family members include brother Andrew W. Jackson Jr. of Casper, Wyoming and sister Dorothy M. Gross of Ainsworth, Nebraska; Jennifer Garrett (Jaimie) Bunker of Michigan, Mary Gemmel (Zak Lewis), Olivia & Hailey Lewis, Colby Garrett; Charlie (Amy) Quigg and Peter Quigg of Michigan as well as numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Paul A. Larsen and Ronald “Red” Garrett, her granddaughter Dacia Dawn McCormick Loeung, her great- granddaughters Olivia Ashleigh Miles & Makala Marie Osborn, and two sisters Jean L. Masters and Boneita L. “Bonnie” Heineman DeMaar.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 1 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, 7130 Kentwell Lane, Lincoln NE 68516. Internment will be at the Ainsworth Cemetery at a later date.
There will be Live Streaming for Ruby’s service at: trinitylincoln.org/funerals