Ruby Velma Reid (Nee Leonard), “Granny”

Ruby Velma Reid (nee Leonard), “Granny”

Ruby “Granny” Reid passed away at the age of 100 in Chandler, Arizona on June 18th, 2022. She was born on February 26th, 1922 in Alton, Illinois to Benjamin and Leolga Leonard. Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, brother Benjamin (Benny), sister Dorothy, and beloved husband Russell.

Ruby is survived by her sister, Alice; daughter, Lynne (husband Ed); son, Dale (wife Peggy); grandson Ed III (wife Julie); granddaughters Megan (husband David), and Selina (husband Brent). G

randdaughter Wendy, h

er partner Tony,

great grandchildren Cassie and Andrew,

great-great grandchildren Amare and Kiyomi. She was a doting Granny to her grandchildren and adored her 7 great-grandchildren: Kendall, Kolby, Mason, Collin, Wyatt, Gemma, and Connor.

Ruby attended Woodriver High School in Alton, Illinois where she met Russell Dale Reid, the handsome captain of the basketball team. The two married on February 21st, 1942 and shared a wonderful 68 years together.

Throughout her life, Ruby was a beam of sunshine with a song in her heart and a smile on her face; ready to tap-dance or sing at any moment. Some of her favorite songs to entertain with were “5 foot 2, eyes of blue”, and a tune about a monkey, a peanut, and a railroad track to which she accompanied herself on her prized baby grand piano.

Known for her sweet tooth, Ruby always had a supply of Reese’s peanut butter cups, a box of chocolates, Jell-o, or cake to share with friends. She loved to treat her family to dinner out at local Mexican food restaurants, where she suffered greatly from anything spicier than pepper and always requested the mildest salsa possible.

In her later years it was well known that Ruby’s love for oranges led many friends to sneak mandarins into their pockets so that they could bring her a favorite snack. It was Ruby’s generous personality and lively spirit that attracted her close friends over the years, many of whom became sneaky orange thieves.

A woman ahead of her time, Ruby had no time for unkindness or harsh words; she treated everyone to her sharp wit and unwavering support no matter their background. Her openness to new ideas and changing times introduced her to computers, smart phones, and even social media at an age when many were surprised to see her dance in a TikTok video.

Ruby enjoyed completing crossword puzzles and was an avid reader, though she avoided certain authors who only told stories about women with red hair because there simply “couldn’t be that many red-heads in the world to write about.” A frugal and somewhat competitive person, Ruby loved playing bridge with friends where she might lose a quarter or possibly win a dollar.

Classy and sassy, Ruby was a delight to everyone around her. She attributed her old age to a mindset that focused on happiness; a treasured legacy that will surely live on. Ruby (“Mom”, “Granny”) is greatly missed by all who had the privilege to call her family or friend.