Ruby Aline James

On September 11, 1930, Ruby Aline was born to Herbert and Clarinda Hazley in Oswego, Kansas. She was the oldest of her brother, Herbert Jr. and her sisters, Mary and Forestine. They later moved to Chetopa, Kansas. After graduating high school Ruby worked at the Ammunition Plant in Parsons, Kansas along with family members.

Ruby was introduced to Arthur James by her friend Bob Byers who attended college with Arthur at Pittsburgh State University in Kansas. In 1952, Arthur and Ruby married in Bentonville, Arkansas. Arthur used to joke that she won his heart by preparing him many home-cooked meals while they were dating because he had little money while attending College on his GI Bill. They moved to Pittsburgh, Kansas where Arthur continued his education. It was there that their first child, Arthur Lowell, was born in 1954. While pregnant with their second child, Clarissa, Ruby moved to Chetopa with her mother, so Arthur could pursue work after graduating. Arthur ended up in Denver, Colorado. After taking a teaching position with the Denver Public school system, the family moved to Denver. Ruby and Arthur had five more children: Gary, Steven, Ronald, Donald and Carla.

Most of her time was spent as a Homemaker. In early years, Ruby volunteered at the Voting Polls during Elections and worked on occasion – most times helping Arthur with their Real Estate business. She was an involved Mother when Clarissa and Carla were Brownies and Girl Scouts. She loved watching her boys play football and basketball (pee wee to High School) and Carla cheer in High School. She loved watching basketball on television and listening to the Blues. Ruby enjoyed her friends, especially her bestie Laura Hamilton of 62 years. She considered them her extended family.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur; parents, Herbert and Clarinda; son Gary; sister, Mary (Riley) and brother, Herbert Jr.

Ruby leaves to cherish her memory her sister: Forestine Taylor; four sons; Arthur, Steven (Debbie), Ronald, Donald; two daughters: Clarissa (Jack), Carla; six grandchildren: Jamon (Kristi), Gregory, Ashley (Jeremiah), Isiah, Cassidy and Zorian; four great-grandchildren: Shamon, Taeshun, Jaia and Jamia.

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