Beatrice Ruby Cummins

Ruby Beatrice Vanegas Cummins quietly passed away in her sleep Friday evening, September 19, 2014, while holding the hand of her loving daughter, Leslie. Ruby joins her loving husband, Volney; her beloved son, Patrick; and much loved grandson, Lex Johnson in heaven.

Ruby was born March 11, 1922, in Ventura, to Alphonso and Beatrice Ortega Vanegas. She was an eleventh generation Californian whose family once held one of the original Spanish land grants located in Santa Ana and Ojai Valleys.

She attended Mill School elementary with her sister and three brothers; she later graduated from Ventura High School and Ventura Jr. College. Ruby grew up around horses and cattle on the former Rancho Casitas Ranch where her father was the Forman until it closed to make way for the Casitas Dam. Ruby and her sister, Rosa and three brothers, Ted, Monty and Bud, had many happy years and experiences riding horses and growing up on the ranch. Ruby was an excellent marksman with a rifle, and could shoot a small clump of mistletoe from the highest tree during the holidays. She loved to travel, especially throughout the west and to Catalina Island. During the war, Ruby moved up to Camp Cook where she worked to support the war effort. Later she returned to Ventura and worked for the County of Ventura as a Special Deputy Sheriff, here she met and married her beloved husband, Volney Cummins, former Undersheriff of Ventura County.

Ruby was a loving and giving mother, aunt and friend. She loved visiting her daughter, Leslie and her family in Oregon, and was very proud of their accomplishments. When her husband, Volney was alive, they had many memorable parties and barbeques in their great “rumpus room” for friends and family. Ruby’s favorite restaurant was always The Sportsmen in Ventura where she always enjoyed visiting with Jenny, the owner. Up until a few years ago, Ruby was active getting her Ventura High School alumni together until there were only a few left. Over the years, she enjoyed the Old Timer’s Barbeque, bowling, getting together with cousins, and going to the Elks Club with her many friends. Due to health issues the last few years, her daughter, Leslie, has been at her side and taken care of her every need. She was holding her hand at the end of her beautiful life’s journey.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Volney; her beloved son, Patrick; her parents, Alphonso and Beatrice Vanegas; her brothers, Ted, Monty and Bud Vanegas; and her grandson, Lex Johnson, who passed away just a few weeks ago in Oregon.

Ruby is survived by her daughter, Leslie “Bobbin” Johnson (husband Lonnie) of Oregon; sister, Rosa Spice Baker of Minnesota; sister-in-law Mary Bray Vanegas of Ojai; and three grandchildren, Levi Johnson of Oregon, Lori Alleman (husband Korey) of Prairieville, Louisiana and Danny Johnson (wife Denise) of Oregon. She also leaves six beloved great grandchildren, Makayla, Peyton and Skyler of Louisiana, and Tess, Allegra and Kate of New York; plus several devoted nieces, Christine, Janett and Jakki; and nephews, Teddy and Bobby.

The family thanks Livingston Memorial Hospice, the Alzheimers Research Association and Ted Mayr Funeral Home plus all who have called with condolences.

Interment and memorial services will be private. Contributions may be made to Livingston Memorial, Alzheimers Research, ALS, or to a charity of choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura.