
Jane Ruby
Elizabeth Jane Ruby, 103, died on May 5, 2022, at Kavanagh House. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 14 at West Des Moines United Methodist Church, 720 Grand Ave. A private family burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery. She was born in Mason City and graduated from Rudd High School in 1937, earned a bachelor’s degree in music education at Iowa State Teachers College (UNI) in 1941, a master’s degree in education at Drake University, and post-graduate music studies at the University of Iowa.
Jane had a 42-year career teaching music in Collins, Miles, Leon, Hampton, Fairfield and Des Moines, ending her career as acting associate professor of music education at Drake University. In retirement, Jane was a mentor, accompanist, and arranger for the WDM United Methodist Church Celebration Quartet for more than 19 years. Jane belonged to many organizations including SAI Music Fraternity, Treble Clef, PEO, and was an active member of WDM UMC for more than 40 years. She lived at Scottish Rite Park for 25 years.
She married Lloyd Ruby in 1948, and he preceded her in death in 1995. Jane is survived by six nieces and nephews as well as several great-nieces and nephews.
Jane had a 42-year career teaching music in Collins, Miles, Leon, Hampton, Fairfield and Des Moines, ending her career as acting associate professor of music education at Drake University. In retirement, Jane was a mentor, accompanist, and arranger for the WDM United Methodist Church Celebration Quartet for more than 19 years. Jane belonged to many organizations including SAI Music Fraternity, Treble Clef, PEO, and was an active member of WDM UMC for more than 40 years. She lived at Scottish Rite Park for 25 years.
She married Lloyd Ruby in 1948, and he preceded her in death in 1995. Jane is survived by six nieces and nephews as well as several great-nieces and nephews.