Contributions to the tribute of Ruby Shilling

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The family of Ruby Shilling uploaded a photo

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

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Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Ruby began her life as the younger sister to Harold and Willard Rahn. She was brought up in a Pennsylvania-Dutch home and, when prompted, would tell stories about her grandparents and family gatherings on farms on both sides of the family. It was a picturesque reflection of simpler times, wholesome family values and a loving family environment. These were the roots of Ruby's morals which she passed on to Laurie and me and which we proudly pass along to our children. Ruby was a life-long member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Waterloo. Tragically, Ruby lost her mother at the very impressionable age of 12. This event and its timing shaped her character as a self-sufficient and organized person. She was no doubt thrust into a role in her family where she was faced with "grown-up" responsibilities to help run the household. Several years after her mother's untimely death, her father remarried the lady we came to know as Gramma Rahn. She was a very kind lady who did her best to be every bit the mother she could be to Ruby. Ruby and Bob married in 1950 when a deep love for each other was founded and carried them throughout their entire marriage. In 1954, I came along and in 1963, Laurie was born. In the fall of 1964, Gramma Rahn moved in with us for several years. This was a very special time for all of us and I know it enriched our lives. Through marriage, Ruby welcomed daughter-in-law, Rosie, and son-in-law, Dan, into the family. She was blessed with four grandchildren, David, Jonathan, Andrew and Lindsay. As each grandchild came along, Ruby would make them a flannel comforter. In fact, over the years she took the time to make all of us comforters, which were works of love and became cherished possessions. In 2008, she welcomed two "granddaughters", Lisa and Emma, into the family and in 2010, was thrilled to become a great-grandmother to Thomas. Ruby enjoyed family gatherings and we took every opportunity to celebrate birthdays and holidays together. Christmas was probably the most special time with traditional carol sing-alongs. Ruby loved to travel and she and Bob took several trips together during their retirement. They enjoyed the opportunity to visit with family in Arizona, especially during winter. The many trips to Arizona always held a special place in Ruby's heart. Ruby and Bob also enjoyed cruising. On one of their cruises, they crossed the North Sea in rather rough conditions. Ruby was untroubled by the rough waters, while Bob, the former naval seaman was quite uncomfortable. Ruby visited many European and Russian cities during her subsequent trips. One of the most memorable trips took her to The Hermitage in St. Petersburg which she thoroughly enjoyed. She spoke often of a cruise she and Bob took up the coast of Norway on a mail carrier ship and about river cruises in Europe. Ruby loved the camaraderie aboard the ship and made many new friends with whom she maintained contact and travelled again. Summer vacations usually meant camping. We visited places such as Killbear Park and Martin River Campground where we made friends with other families, built memories and remained friends throughout the years. Ruby was not one to rough it in a tent, so we had a tent trailer and then a small house trailer. Ruby's strong organizational skills and practical nature sure paid off when preparing for camping trips. We made many memorable trips over six or seven years, culminating with summers at Carson's in Sauble Beach. Throughout their married life, Ruby and Bob loved to take car rides in the country and this continued after Bob's death with Ruby loving to "go for a ride". Nothing was more pleasing to her than gazing out over the countryside in the spring as things were greening up or witnessing the transition from summer to autumn with the burst of colour in the trees. We had many a good talk during these drives. In 1974, Ruby began working as a school secretary at Centennial Public School in Waterloo. She thoroughly loved her job and often spoke warmly of the wonderful teachers and staff with whom she worked. Following her retirement from Centennial, (which she always remarked was at the perfect time due to the arrival of computers in the school), Ruby enjoyed attending "Super Seniors", playing Bridge and attending Aquafit at the YMCA. Ruby always had a busy calendar filled with get-togethers, lunch dates, card parties and day trips with friends. Ruby demonstrated her love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandson throughout her life. Even in the past year when her health was failing, she always wanted to know about each person and how they were managing. Ruby had a great strength and love of God which saw her through the darker days of her illness. She maintained her sense of humour throughout, even in her final hours. We love her and will miss her. To those who Ruby leaves behind, I'm sure that her wish would be that we slow down, take the time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life and always keep family first. Ruby will be buried next to Bob in Memory Gardens Cemetery, there to rest until the Lord Jesus Christ comes again to receive His own unto Himself. So shall she ever be with her Lord.

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Dorothy Elver posted a condolence

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

I was sadden to hear of the loss of my longtime friend. We spent many good times together enjoying the summer and galavanting on weekends before our marriages. We continued to get together through the years and always stayed in touch. In recent years we continued to keep in touch by phone. Ruby was a wonderful friend and I will miss talking to her. All the best to her family. Dorothy

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The Ball Family posted a condolence

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Ruby was a wonderful neighbour. She always took the time to talk, and enjoyed hearing about our "family news". As well, Ruby was proud to share the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. When she moved we purchased her house and we fondly refer to it as "The Ruby".

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Shirley lindhorst posted a condolence

Monday, July 9, 2012

My late husband and I , along with the late Ted Higgins and his wife Doris had some wonderful cruises with your mom. Ruby was always full of laughter & always saw something funny about the subject at hand. I last had a phone conversation with ruby a few weeks ago to catch up on her health, etc. she was always interested in Doris h's health. I still remember the concert that Ruby and I went to in Russia a few years ago. God bless you all - she was a true lady.

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Jenny De Cicco of Gina's Spa posted a condolence

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Jenny De Cicco of Gina's Spa made a donation to Ruby has been loved by Gina's staff for decades! We appreciate her loyalty and will be sady missed. Our deepest condolences to the family, Sincerely, Jenny

In loving memory of

Ruby

1925 - 2012