Ruby Myrtle Handy passed away in Turlock, California on November 8, 2017, at the age of 97. She was born in Minco, Oklahoma on January 18, 1920 to Jackson and Myrtle Marlow who both died when Ruby was a small child. She was left in the care of her paternal grandparents and, later, to other relatives until, at the young age of 15, she married Cicero Thomas. From that union came three daughters: Geraldine, Patricia, and Betty Thomas. Several years after she and her first husband divorced, she married George Handy and blessed the family with daughter number four, Georgene Handy.
Ruby settled in Modesto in 1940. She worked in agricultural fields during the Great Depression, supported WWII efforts while working at Sharp Facility in Lathrop, California, and, later, packaged C-Rations for our troops during the Korean campaign. The following years found her helping to support her family by doing clerical work for various businesses in Modesto and Ceres. Always industrious, she worked at home as a seamstress after her retirement from the formal workforce. Her skills, frugality, and work ethic were admired by family and friends alike.
Ruby was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, an organization which complemented her desire to improve the community and make life better for others. She was a compassionate advocate for those less fortunate than she. She was an avid gardener, being especially fond of red roses.
Ruby leaves behind her daughters and sister, Letha Thomas. Others who will miss her are grandchildren: Karyn Cox Rainone (Rick), Kevin Cox, Michael and Randy Casaus, Mark Egan (Alicia), Amy Egan Bennett (Bruce), and Shawna Silva Myers (Kevin); great grandchildren: Matthew Siciliani, Jr. (Reba), Heather Cox, Jessica and Mikey Casaus, Bianca Carranza, Ryan and Marissa Casaus, Taylor Egan and Cameron Horn; as well as seven great-great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her brothers Andy and Ruben Marlow, sisters Wanda Owens and Ruth Warren, and grandson Kenneth Cox, Jr.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 17 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, November 18 at 2:00 p.m. Both events will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Avenue, Hughson, California.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ruby Handy be made to Bristol Hospice, 374 E. Yosemite Ave., #200, Merced CA 95340.
