Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
John Edwin Ruby left us all too soon on July 18, 2018, while battling the advance of the Substation Fire in The Dalles, Ore., by disking a fire line to save a neighbor’s property. He was 64 years old.
John was born on Sept. 26, 1953, in Stayton, Ore., to proud parents Gerald and Darlene Ruby. He was the youngest of four children; Geraldine, David, and Marge. His early years were spent in Salem, Ore., followed by the family moving to the small logging community of Mill City, Ore., in 1957. There, John attended grade school and Santiam High School — home of the Wolverines — and excelled in football and track. He grew up to be a logger, like his father, and on Sept. 16, 1972, married his long-time sweetheart, Jackie Lee Clark, in Mill City.
John and Jackie had two sons, Matthew and Joshua. After years of logging, John joined the Local 29 Iron Workers and, eventually moved out of Mill City.
It was during his years in the Iron Workers that he met his future bride, Melodie Lynn Barber. They were married on Sept. 22, 1995, at Cedarville Park in Gresham, Ore. John and Melodie moved to their current homestead outside of Mosier, Ore., in 1999. After retiring from the Iron Workers, he spent his time helping on a farm outside of The Dalles, Ore.; his smiling face ever-present at brandings and harvests.
John was preceded in death by both parents and his brother, David Ruby. He is survived by his loving wife, Melodie; son, Matt (Kylee) of The Dalles, Ore.; son, Josh (Trisha) of Mill City, Ore.; sisters, Marge (Greg) Tinney, and Geraldine Ruby of Mill City, Ore.; grandchildren Levi Ruby (Alyxandrea Allen), and Audrey and Morgan Ruby; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and two great-grandchildren.
There will be a memorial service on Saturday, Aug. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Dufur School. An area will be reserved at the memorial for any of those who wish to be videoed, recorded, or who simply wish to write down memories of John. The family would very much appreciate any of those who are comfortable sharing these stories, to do so in this fashion, so that they can view them at a later date.
There will also be a celebration of life and benefit luncheon at the Eagles Lodge (640 SW Broadway Street, Mill City, Ore. 97360) on Sunday, Aug. 12, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers for this event, please consider donating to the Santiam Junior - Senior high school football program in John’s honor.
The family has been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love from both communities that John called home. His heart and charisma will be well remembered and missed dearly. The family would like to thank everyone for their support during this tragic time.
