Ruby Eva Deal

Ruby Eva Deal, 82, a resident of Wellington, Colorado, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024 at her home after a long battle with dementia and Alzheimer's.

Ruby was born on October 27, 1941 in Fruita, Colorado to Sam Otero and Helen Vallejos Otero. She had two sisters, Betty and Rosie; and one brother, Billy.

She always spoke fondly of her childhood in Fruita, where she had lots of friends and excelled in school. Ruby was able to graduate from high school with honors while helping to take care of her beloved mother, Helen, who passed away from breast cancer at age 40 that same year. Ruby also attended Mesa College in Grand Junction.

Ruby married Dallas Ruark in 1961 and they had three children; Jana, Michael and Larry. She was a pastor's wife for many years at churches in North Dakota, New Mexico, Texas and Colorado. Ruby never backed down from a challenge and could completely transform a house into a home with her knack for decorating and excellent sewing skills. She was also a great cook and made the best fried chicken until, in her later years, she declared she was "going on strike!". She was happy sitting in her recliner with a cold Coke and her Sudoku book, listening to "her boyfriend" George Strait or watching the Broncos or the Rockies (when they were good). She was a huge sports fan.

Ruby worked in the insurance industry for many years as a Customer Service Manager for various companies in the Denver Metro area. She loved to work and the more problems she had to tackle, the better. She was employed into her 70's and met her late husband, Bill Deal, when he drove through her line at the bank where she was a teller. Eventually, sparks flew and, since George was already taken, they married on June 29, 2019.

Ruby is survived by her children; Jana, Michael and Larry Ruark; four grandchildren; Lara Ruark, Ryan Ruark, Michael Ruark, and Brynna Ruark Schouten; and one great granddaughter, Ruby Ava Marie Castrellon. She is also survived by her sister, Rose Buskirk; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends, including her best friends; Mary Martinez and Nancy Ferguson.
In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Bill, Ruby was preceded in death by her sister, Betty Green; and her brother, Billy Otero.

One of her favorite hymns was "Blessed Assurance", and she held on to that assurance her whole life, come what may. She loved God with all her heart and was a blessing and a comfort to so many, even if it was only to smile her beautiful smile. Her loyalty to God, her family and her friends was steadfast and unwavering.

Mom, Mama, Nanny, Great Grandma, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend, we will miss you and love you always.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Romans 8:28

Ruby's ashes will be buried next to her mother at the New Elmwood Cemetery in Fruita, Colorado. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to: Dementia Together at dementiatogether.org or sent to:
Dementia Together, 4025 Automation Way, Ste. F-2, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 in memory of Ruby Ruark Deal.