Ruby Dell Gann

Ruby, known to many as "Nana", was born on September 23, 1926 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She grew up among the cotton fields as an only child to Minor and Ida Pierce. Ruby graduated from Arkadelphia High School on May 26,1944. Just 15 days later, she married the love of her life, Emmet Doyle Gann, on June 10, 1944.

Shortly after they wed, Em (as Ruby called him) was drafted into the military during the outbreak of World War II. Em was ordered to serve in South Korea. Meanwhile, in the States, Ruby discovered she was expecting and gave birth to their first child, a son; Emmet Don Gann. Following the war, they welcomed two more children, Sandra Gann-Cunningham and Karen Gann-Loewen. They made a post-war life in Arkadelphia, but in 1953, the family made the move west to California. Their youngest had breathing issues, and the doctors told them the mountain air in California would be better for her, so the family settled in Longbarn, California. The Gann's got into the grocery business, as Nana spent her days caring for the children and helping Em package meat at night. They lived a simple life, bartering and trading with their neighbors for the things they needed to run their business and provide for their family. In the summer of 1966, Em and Ruby adopted their granddaughter Michelle Gann-Nielsen. Ruby once again found herself making lunches, going to dance classes, and all the things a mother does for her children. Michelle was her "sweetie" (as Nana called her).

In 1975, the Gann’s bought property in Denair. Despite her allergy to bees, Ruby became a beekeeper on the family’s almond orchard. In 1977, Karen’s family, which included her two sons, Jeramy and Jason Young, moved onto the property. The family enjoyed days of working the almond orchard, tending to their garden, collecting eggs from their chicken coop, and many family gatherings.

Outside of the home, Ruby worked many jobs in the food service industry. She worked a seasonal job for Tillie Lewis, spent some time at Acacia Nursing Home in the laundry department, and served as a hostess at Sequoia Retirement Home and Covenant Village.

The Gann’s sold their property in Denair and moved the family’s mobile home to Modesto, CA. Em passed away in 1996. Ruby remained in Modesto until her passing in 2025.

Ruby loved telling her great-grandchildren stories of “days gone by”. Growing up a child of the Great Depression, Nana was a simple woman and learned to make the most of the things she had. She spent her days gardening, canning her harvest and gifting it to the ones she loved. She loved hosting family gathering at her home, solving puzzles, and playing sudoku. She loved attending events for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ruby’s life was centered around her family.

Ruby is preceded in death by her parents Minor and Ida Pierce; her husband Emmet Gann; her grandson Michael Cunningham; son-in-law Glen Cunningham; daughter Michelle Nielsen; and son Emmet “Don” Gann.

Ruby is survived by her daughter Sandra Cunningham and great-grandson Alex Cunningham; daughter Karen Loewen and husband Daniel Loewen; grandson Jeramy Young and wife Amanda; great-grandchildren Tyler, Blake and Braelyn; grandson Jason Young and daughter-in-law Cheryl Gann; son-in-law Jay Nielsen and grandson Branden Nielsen.

Services will be held Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 11am in the Heritage Chapel at Lakewood Funeral Home, located at 900 Santa Fe Avenue in Hughson, CA. Interment will be immediately following the memorial service. Ruby will be laid to rest at Lakewood Memorial Park in the Hyland Gardens.

Ruby was loved by all who knew her, and will be missed dearly. The family thanks you for your love and support.