Ruby E. Wood

Ruby E. Wood, 92, formerly known as Ruby Plummer, Strong, Richards. Ruby departed this world peacefully Sunday morning, March 16, 2014. Her last days were filled with great support and love from family and friends providing reminiscent stories, songs, prayers, kisses and tender embraces.

Ruby was born in Powell, Wyo., on Aug. 16, 1921, to Nellie May Brownell and Leonard Jacob Plummer. She was the youngest of four children. In 1924, the family moved to Missoula, where she attended Willard Grade School and Missoula County High School, graduating in 1939. She was a natural athlete and excelled at ice-skating, swimming and dancing. While attending the University of Montana, she was a member of the honorary Spurs and Sigma Kappa, and lettered in five varsity sports while working at the Registrar's Office.

In 1942, she married Thomas H. Strong prior to his deployment to Europe in World War II. While Tom was overseas, Ruby graduated from UM with a degree in physical education. They lived in Spokane with their five children, Marcia (1944), Barbara (1947), Judy (1950), and twins Tom and Paula (1952).

Ruby taught physical education in Spokane schools. In 1957, she returned to Missoula, where her parents still resided and where she married Kenneth G. Richards. Ruby and Ken had two sons, Ted (1958) and Jim (1960). Ruby and Ken spent the next two decades working hard and enjoying their seven children and the kids' many activities.

During those years Ruby worked in many capacities involving children; she loved children. She was a parks and recreation leader in several Missoula parks and eventually became the city parks supervisor. Ruby also worked steadily as a substitute teacher, study hall supervisor and taught physical education at Hellgate Elementary School. Oftentimes, she taught physical fitness and dancing classes at night. She loved attending all her children's activities and Grizzly football and basketball games.

In 1981, she married former classmate and longtime friend William C. Wood and moved to Beaverton, Ore. There she joyfully merged her existing family with the Wood crew, which included Bill's sons Gary and Tye, their wives and children. In her retirement, she and Bill were socially active, attending reunions with friends and families, smokejumper gatherings, hunting and fishing, trips to Hawaii, Alaska and Mexico as well as trips all about the country in their motor home.

Following Bill's death in 2002, she returned to her Missoula home. She continued to be active participating in square dancing, swimming and attending Griz games. Ruby actively participated in National Alliance for Mental Illness, for which she had a special passion.

In 2006, she suffered a stroke, and yet recovered sufficiently to enjoy a range of interests. During her last decade, she participated in activities almost every day and was grateful to the Missoula Senior Center, where she gathered with others to share activities or lunch. The center was also the setting for her 90th and 92nd birthday parties, which at her request included live music and dance. At that time she resided with family, along with the loving support of her friends and canine companions, Maximo and Elvis.

Ruby was an inspiration to many, with boundless energy and a genuine sense of compassion. No one was ever left out and there was always room for another plate at the table. The family would like to thank Hospice of Missoula, the ministry of the University Congregational Church and Bee Hive staff for their care and support in her final weeks.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, Nellie and Leonard; her sisters, Marie Wise and Mildred Singleton; and brother, Emory Plummer. She was also preceded in death by spouse, Bill Wood; and former spouses, Tom Strong and Ken Richards.

She is survived by her children, Marcia Strong-Dias (former son-in-law Vivian), Barbara Mordock (Tom), Judy Guthrie (Wendell), Paula Corrick (Steve), Tom Strong (Alice), Ted Richards (Lori) and Jim Richards (CamaLe), as well as Bill's sons, Gary Wood (Barbara) and Tye Wood (Joyce); grandchildren, Maya (Paul), Tara, Vijay, Kim (Tim), Allyson (Mark), David, Elizabeth, Ruth, Julie (Beau), Paul, Pierce, Annie, Markus, Marianne, Patty, Vanessa and Mandy (Hilda); and great-grandchildren, Anne Marie, Mason, Ava, Andrew, Alex, Charlie Ann, Avery, Logan and Zeke. Also, she is survived by loving nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

A memorial service to celebrate Ruby's life will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, March 21, at the University Congregational Church, 405 University Ave., where a reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to NAMI Missoula, P.O. Box 5413, Missoula, MT 59806; or the University Congregational Church, 405 University Ave., Missoula, MT 59801
Read Ruby Wood's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.