Ruby Ricks, 75, died Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at her home in Carrollton, Virginia.

Ruby was born January 13, 1944 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Opal Ward and Joseph Earl Ricks. She was the fifth of ten children and the only one with fiery red hair. She grew up in Idaho Falls and Rexburg, Graduating from Madison High School in 1962. She Married Dean L Dayley on April 3, 1964 and together they had four children Ronda, Rick, Wendy, and Amber. Ruby worked various jobs over the years as a beautician, meat cutter, produce manager, and vendor. Although she resided in Idaho most of her life, she also lived in Wyoming, Saudi Arabia, and Virginia. Ruby was an activist for women’s rights in Wyoming and the first female meat cutter for Safeway. Ruby was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and had served as a temple worker in the Twin Falls Idaho Temple.

Although shy, Ruby was a genuine friend to those who knew her. Ruby enjoyed bowling, reading, ping-pong, scuba diving, and playing card games with family and friends. She loved music, playing her organ, and singing. Ruby was an avid crafter and was always making things with her hands. Even when she sat down to “relax”, she was busy crafting. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, jewelry making, quilting and painting. Ruby was also a self-taught wood-worker and designed, built, and painted many pieces of furniture. Ruby loved to decorate for each and every holiday, but she particularly loved Halloween and getting dressed up as a witch. She lured adults and children of all ages into her graveyard for tricks and treats.

Ruby is survived by her children, Ronda (Preston) Cox, Rick (Beatriz) Dayley, Wendy (Paul) Rodgers, and Amber (Tim) McHugh; 17 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; her sisters Cleora Ward, Karen Lott, Nina Butler, Joann Biggs, and brothers Dale Ricks, Tim Ricks, and Dee Ricks. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters Delaine Stewart and Earleen Scott.

Ruby had chosen to be cremated in Virginia. A celebration of her life will be held April 17-18, 2020 in Idaho. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Ruby’s memorial fund at vacremationsociety.com