Born in Klingerstown, Pa., Ruby was raised by her late mother, Margaret Schlegel and stepfather Samuel Schlegel. After high school, she and her closest girlfriends packed up and moved to the “big city,” Harrisburg, ready for new adventures and big dreams. It was there she met the love of her life, Clement Leo, and began building the family and home that would become her greatest joy.
Ruby’s strong work ethic began early as a waitress at age 12, working late nights after school. She went on to have two professional chapters in her life, working 26 years for the Pennsylvania Poultry Federation and another 20 years for Dr. Frank DeLeo, where she officially retired at the age of 85!
She kept in touch with friends dating back to grade school, never forgot a story or a face, and made neighbors feel like family. She was known to cheer on Penn State, hunt down a good sale at Macy’s, and plan lunches out with friends.
Ruby believed there was always something good in everyone she met. She had a way of turning strangers into friends. She was the kind of person everyone felt lucky to know. If someone she loved was sick or going through a tough time, she didn’t just say a prayer, she showed up with a homemade dessert and comforting conversation. Her smile, kindness, and especially her pies will never be forgotten!
She is survived by her children: Christy Leo, Lisa Leo, Michael Leo (Kim) of Harrisburg and Steven Leo (Lori) of Bedminster, PA; six grandchildren: Jesse (Alexis) and Shea Leo, Matthew and Sam Leo, and Taylor (Blake) and Luke (Meredith) Tosheff, and great-grandson, Grant Leo Tosheff and another great-grandchild due in November. Also surviving are siblings: Robert Troutman, Vernon Schlegel (Joyce), Dennis Schlegel (Beverly), Karen Derr (Roger), half-sister Dee Reed Heffner, and sister-in-law Evelyn Leo, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins who she adored.
Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister Caroline Schlegel, brother Raymond Dean Schlegel and sister-in-law Diane, nephew Dean Schlegel, and sister-in-law Dolly Troutman.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, August 25, 2025, at St. Catherine Labouré Catholic Church, 4000 Derry Street, Harrisburg with Rev. Leo Goodman as celebrant. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. to the time of service. There will be a private interment ceremony at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at a later date.
The family wishes to thank Homeland at Home Hospice for their wonderful care. Neill Funeral Home, Harrisburg is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The ALS Association in memory of her mother, Margaret Schlegel.
