Ruby Muriel Stark

Ruby Muriel (Cockren) Stark was the last child born to Grover Nathaniel and Ollie Jane Cockren on April 17, 1933 in Harrisburg, Arkansas. The Cockren family migrated to Kern County California when she was a young girl. She attended Fairfax Middle School and East Bakersfield High School. Gerald Edward Stark spotted her on the School grounds one day and began an endless pursuit of her until she finally ended the pursuit by marrying him on her birthday, April 17, 1949. Ruby and Ed had 5 children: Janie Gail, Jeanine Yvonne, Joyce Edena, David Edward and Jerri Kay. Ruby and Ed were married 67 years and 10 months. They spent their first 2 years of marriage in Bakersfield, California where Janie was born. Dad found work in Ventura, California and moved his new family there where Jeanine, Joyce, David and Jerri were born. The family moved back and forth between Ventura and Las Vegas until the summer of 1968, when they moved to Vegas for the last time. They lived in the same home at 1400 Smoke Tree Avenue for 49 years. Mom and Dad were faithful members of the Church of Christ and lived their lives accordingly. Throughout their lives together, they instilled values in their children and grandchildren. They lead by example. If someone was in need they would find a way to help, even inviting them to live in our home until they could get back on their feet. Together, they gave unconditional love. They lived a life of faith, love and good works. Mom was a housewife back in the days when you could still afford to live on one income. She worked for a period of time assisting a disabled woman. After the death of our sister Jeanine, a brother in Christ, AP Bowerman saw that mother was struggling with a broken heart. He offered her a Secretary position at Lady Bug, where she worked for several years. When Dad retired in 1995, they travelled throughout the United States in their truck and Trailer. They often talked of their travels and how much they enjoyed it. Their favorite vacation spot included Hawaii and spending long periods of time in Oregon with best friends Pat and Carol. They also pulled their trailer across country to Connecticut where Mom and Dad rekindled their relationship with Dad’s brother Darrell and wife Julia. They would stay for months at a time. Our Dad passed away on February 16, 2017. Mom always said, “You know your Daddy and I are going together”. Mom followed close behind. She passed away on April 30, 2017 at home in her comfortable bed with her children at her side. She was 84 years old. Mom was preceded in death by her husband Gerald E Stark; daughter Jeanine Yvonne Gilley; son-in-law Keith Gilley; granddaughter Blanca Marie Casaus; her brothers: EJ Cockren and Elzo Cockren; and sister Eunice Brown. She is survived by her daughters: Janie Gail Stark, Joyce Edena Love (Mark), Jerri Kay Boatman (Paul), and Debbie Morris; son David Edward Stark; brother Lonnie Cockren; grandsons: Eddie, Joe Joe, Larry, Dana, Dee (Keith), Jason, Braelin, Ryan, Casey and Zacchari; granddaughters: Janna, Tamar, Kim, Angelina, Melissa, Sasha, Christina, Bethany and Candice; 33 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.