Ruby Belle Klausing

Ruby graduated from Elmhurst High School, where she was Prom Queen, at a time when the primary professional career options for women were secretarial, nursing, or teaching. Eventually, she found herself in the banking industry. Again, at a time when the career ladder for women was very limited, she was originally employed as a teller, through a temp employment service, at First Federal Savings and Loan in Fort Wayne. Her intelligence, determination, strength of character, and willingness to challenge those societal limits led her to permanent employment on that “teller line”, to supervisory positions, to training as their first computer programmer, having tested stronger than anyone else in the organization, to the head of various departments, ultimately to the role of assistant vice president. She eventually retired from Standard Federal Savings Bank. Not bad for a woman with a high school education and no formal math class beyond the 9th grade.

Ruby’s passion, though, was undoubtedly her family. Everyone was included in her blended family, welcomed with open arms and pride in each and every member. Even in the midst of Alzheimer's disease, her first question was about how the family was doing. Family dinners, with her husband Herb Klausing, were an example of her philosophy. They were expansive and inclusive, everyone was welcome whether family or guest, seen as who they were, not by some external characteristic or circumstance. There was always another plate to be found. She was always ready to give advice, share your thoughts, or just listen. And when a decision or path was determined, she supported you wholeheartedly, and with everything she could provide. But, don’t be fooled into thinking you could cross that Mamma/Grandmamma Bear. Her steel backbone was always ready to be seen where any she loved was concerned.

Ruby’s greatest strength may have been her resilience. Despite a life that included more tragedy and adversity than most, she never became bitter, but remained kind and loving, solving the issue before her, determining the best way forward, not dwelling on the past. She lived life her way, being who she was, in a way that encouraged others to be themselves. A lightness that welcomed others to share life with her, and always with a smile and an easy laugh. Hopefully, you could share her love of popcorn, novelty ice cream treats, and mystery shows and movies.

She and Herb also loved their church. Worshipping God was demonstrated, not just by way of attendance, but through their service to that community, service to the people who are the church, and involvement in the Lutheran Foundation.

Ruby was a woman of many layers, but blanketing all was love.

Ruby is survived by her sons, Charles McKaig and Edward (Cindi) McKaig; step-daughter, Kristen Klausing; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl Busch and Georgiana Rowland; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Lucille Busch; daughter, Georgiana (GiGi) Eileen Moreno; and husbands, Charles Donahoe, Edward McKaig, and Herbert Klausing.

Memorials can be made directed to Concordia Lutheran Church, 4245 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46815.