Ruby Darileen Clary

Ruby Darileen Clary, 68, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Longmont United Hospital. A celebration of life service will take place at Howe Mortuary, 439 Coffman St, Longmont, CO 80501. There will be a viewing at 10:00 a.m., followed by an open casket service at 11:00 a.m. After which, there will be a potluck in the clubhouse at 900 Mountain View Ave in Longmont.

Ruby was born to LeFell Clary Sr.(deceased) and Ruby Lee Underwood Clary(deceased) in Quincy, Florida, on May 8, 1957. She graduated from James A. Shanks High School, Quincy, Florida. She went on to obtain a master's degree in Business Administration, while taking care of her elderly mother and her son, Brandon Sands, and while working for the State of Florida.

Referred to by her family and friends as Darileen, she grew up the ninth child in a family of eleven. Darileen loved the Lord; she gave her life to Christ at an early age at Mt Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Quincy, FL.

Darileen brought happiness, joy, and laughter to family and friends alike. Fearless and compassionate in all her endeavors. Darileen was a daughter, niece, sister, mother, wife, protector, and friend. She will be missed by those who knew her.

Without knowing anyone in Colorado, she moved to Colorado Springs in 2016 and then to Longmont in 2017. In June of 2019, Ruby accepted a job as Property Manager for Mountain View Mobile Homes. One week later, she met her future husband, David Whitsel, and future stepson, Alexi Whitsel, while locking up the office and clubhouse.

Everyone loved Ruby. Every other word out of her mouth would have them laughing, even to perfect strangers. Ruby was a giver, and she loved babies. Whenever we were out shopping and she saw a baby, she would talk to her/him. She deeply loved her family and friends, with whom she grew up in Quincy.

Ruby loved to dance, especially to Reggae music. When she lived in Miami, she had some friends who would fly her down to Jamaica. On one such occasion, her friends solicited the police's help to find her. They found her dancing in a reggae bar and took her back to the hotel.

Men, younger and older, were always hitting on Ruby to ask her out - her reply, “I’ll have to ask my husband.” So it never happened. She used that excuse all the time if someone were trying to sell her something or whatever.

Ruby was preceded in death by her sister Doris Hicks and brothers, Gary Clary and Craig Clary. She is survived by her husband, David Whitsel, her son, Brandon Sands, her stepson Alexi Whitsel, and many siblings: Marion D. Cole, Susie Ann Wilson, Lefell Clary Jr., Chandler Clary(Regina), Michael Clary, Harriet Charity(Roger), Darrell Clary(Christine), and special niece Cassandra Balkman(Kenneth), and a host of nieces and nephews. She is also survived by David’s sister Marta Whitsel, and David’s brother, Travis Whitsel, and his wife, Prabodhi.

Services are entrusted to Howe Mortuary & Crematory of Longmont, Colorado.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Clary family.