Obituary for
Ruby Decker (Holmes)
DECKER, Ruby – It is with full hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Ruby M Decker. Mom completed her journey on earth on April 8, 2018 at the Health Science Centre surrounded by her most coveted gifts in life, her family. Ruby started her journey on January 20, 1927 in Englee, NL and faced many challenges at an early age. She persevered, attended Memorial University and received her teaching certificate. After a short teaching position in St. George’s, NL, she accepted a position in Ship Cove, NL, a small community on the Great Northern Peninsula. It was here that she met and married her soulmate, Raymond Decker on June 30, 1949. They shared a long, beautiful life together with many stories to tell until his passing on March 13, 2003. After the birth of her seventh child, Ruby lost her eyesight for several months. Once her sight returned she decided to teach again and accepted a position in Raleigh. A couple years later she accepted another position in St. Anthony, where she stayed until her retirement in 1993. Throughout her teaching career she obtained two university degrees through long-distance education, before the advent of the internet, while continuing to raise seven children. Age held no boundaries for Ruby. Her zest for life, her caring compassion for others, her unconditional love for her family, her many talents, including knitting, quilting and gardening, and her passion for teaching, are firmly ingrained in our memories. Leaving to celebrate her journey on earth are her children: Keith (Rosalind), Sharon (Boyd), Raymond (Lynn), Reginald (Debbie), David (Jackie), Elizabeth (Wade) and September (John); Brother Roy (Lillian) Holmes-Bannister, Sister Florella Churchill;15 Grandchildren, 10 Great-Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews scattered, in Ruby’s words, over the « four corners of the earth »; many who thought of her as their second mom. Close friends who have full hearts today are Iris Decker, Betty Andrews, Deborah Gordon and a long list of friendships, students and those who she took on as an honourary « Aunt ». The family would like to extend special thanks to Suzan, Stacey and Michelle at the L.A. Miller Center and to the team on the fourth floor of the Heath Science Center, who have shown so much understanding, concern and compassion over these past few days. Resting at Barrett’s Funeral Home 328 Hamilton Ave. on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. from Barrett’s Funeral Chapel 328 Hamilton Ave. Interment will be held on Friday, June 29, 2018 United Cemetery, Ship Cove. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruby’s memory to the United Church in Ship Cove via e-transfer at d_andrews61@hotmail.com » or Cheque. To sign the online memorial guest book please visit www.barretts.ca
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Ruby Decker Holmes 1927 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: St-John’s, Province: T-N
