Ruby M. Skilbeck

Ruby was born on June 8, 1918, in McVille, North Dakota, the daughter of Jordahl and Olga (Lee) Ekern. She grew up on the family dairy farm in a portion of Wisconsin known as “Little Norway”, with her two brothers, Harlan Ekern (now deceased) and Myron Ekern, and one sister, Dorothy Ekern Holen (also deceased).

Ruby was proud of her Norwegian heritage and was an active member of the Springfield Chapter of the Sons of Norway and Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Springfield, both for many years.

In 1936, she married Howard O. Skilbeck, who preceded her in death in 1984. They had four children: Ronald (wife Dianne)Skilbeck, Janice (husband Jeff) Skilbeck Johnston, Wayne (wife Debra) Skilbeck, and Gerald (wife Debbie) Skilbeck, all currently living in central Illinois. Ruby is survived by her brother, Myron Ekern, her four children, ten grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

Before retiring, Ruby was a cafeteria manager at Webster Grade School in Springfield. As a teenager, Ruby played guitar and sang, for a time, on a local Wisconsin radio station. In her earlier adult years, she was an excellent bowler and won several trophies for her bowling skills. Throughout the years, she was very social, and belonged to several card playing groups, clubs, and social organizations.

Services are under the direction of Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd, Springfield, where visitation will be held on Monday, June 11, 2012 from 9 to 10:45 am. The funeral service will then be held at 11 am. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.