Ruby Keel Crook

Born Ruby Mae Keel on the 14th of February 1929, at Wall, Texas, daughter of G.R (Peat) and Cora Lee Keel, she grew up on their farm at Wall and in nearby San Angelo. A devoted Christian, Ruby accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior when she was nine years old. She was a member of Bethel Church of Houston and was active in church work until her final illness.

Ruby graduated from San Angelo College and, as a young woman, was employed in both accounting and secretarial work. In 1949 Ruby married Norman Crook, who had grown up on a nearby farm at Wall. After their wedding, Norman worked in oil exploration, and the couple lived and worked throughout the Southeast United States (Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida) where they had their two sons, David Crook and Larry Crook before settling in Houston in 1954.

When the boys were old enough for her to have some free time, she used it to pursue her life-long interest in the visual arts. She became a member of a small group of artists who studied with world-famous artist Lajos Markos. For 19 years they had classes painting live models, had many social events, and they went on many trips for on-site painting of interesting subjects, including two trips to Italy.

Ruby taught art classes in Houston and Colorado and served as president of the Houston Civic Arts Association.

She is survived by husband Norman; by son and daughter-in-law David Crook and Lisa Roark of Houston; by son and daughter-in-law Larry Crook and Sylvia McIntyre Crook of Gainesville, Florida; by granddaughter Vanessa Crook and partner Hanson Little of Austin, Texas; and by grandson Alexander Crook and fiancée, Mariama Ndure of Oslo, Norway. The eldest of five siblings, Ruby is also survived by sister and brother-in-law, Patsy and Ralph Bass of Clifton, Texas; by brother James Keel of Cypress, Texas; by brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Ann Keel of Cypress, Texas; and by many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Robert Jackson for his outstanding care and Roxanne Brown, Sandra Cuellar, Citranella Btown, Jacey Bell, and other members of the staff of Pulse Staffing of Houston for the excellent and compassionate nursing care they gave Ruby during her final illness.

Ruby will be buried at Clifton, Texas, where she and Norman were married.

In a few months, when it is safe to socially gather, a meeting of family and friends will be planned to share memories and celebrate her life.