Ruby Gladys Turner

     Ruby Gladys Turner was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Ruby will be remembered as an outstanding individual.

     Ruby was born on December 18, 1928 at home on Harvard St. in Bellflower, California. She was the daughter of Ola and Clara Phillips. Ruby grew up in Bellflower, California and Missouri for four years.

     Ruby was raised with One sibling. She had a sister named Dorothy. Ruby was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her sister. She and her sister experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

     As a young girl, Ruby had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. In her spare time she liked bike ride. However, to Ruby, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

     A typical teenager, Ruby had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. That transition to adulthood came when she and Marvin decided to get married.

     Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Ruby enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. While growing up, some of her best friends were Wanda Kissee and Cybil. Later in life, she became friends with Wanda Gullian, Nell Ward, and Jewell Williams.

     On October 1, 1946 Ruby exchanged wedding vows with Marvin Hawkes at Gretna Green Chapel of Yuma, Arizona. That marriage ended in divorce in 1958. Ruby met Roland Turner and the two married in November of 1973. Roland had three children of his own, son, Duane; and daughters, Sharla and Diane. Empathic and loyal, Ruby was committed to making her new family happy.

     Ruby worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Ruby was blessed with three children, two sons, Randy Lee Hawkes and Rickey Dean Hawkes and one daughter, Barbara Jean Hawkes. Another blessing for Ruby was the gift of nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren, Randy Jr., Ronny, Gina, LeeAnn, Julie, Jeff, Amy, and Bryson.

     Fortunately, Ruby enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Ruby worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was working in watch repair at Long Beach Naval Base. She was employed for 25 years. Ruby always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

     Ruby enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were shopping at the 99 cent store. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

     Ruby found pleasure in sports. Ruby was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she had the chance to do so. Tops on her list were baseball, football, and basketball.

     Ruby's faith was important to her. She was a member First Southern Baptist Church of Lakewood. During that time, she was coordinator of meals and parties.

     Ruby enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included New York, Hawaii, and Riverboat.

     Ruby was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. She loved her three dogs, Penny, Princess, and Boots. They were best friends for many years. Penny, 14 years; Princess, 11 years; Boots, 19 years.

     When Ruby's retirement finally arrived in 1995, she was well prepared. In retirement, she found new pleasure in Tops. She also played cards with a group of friends from church. Even in retirement, Ruby continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Ruby was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

     Ruby passed away on August 13, 2009 at Lakewood Regional Medical Center. Ruby fought a brave battle against cancer. She is survived by her sister, Dorothy; her children and grandchildren.

     Simply stated, Ruby was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Ruby leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Ruby Gladys Turner.