Ruby Mae Price Ivy

Ruby Mae (Price) Ivy graced this earth on October 2, 1930, born in Eskdale, West Virginia. She entered her heavenly home on September 18, 2026. She was the youngest of three children to Julia (Page) Price and Henry Price. Ruby was a woman of deep faith, a devoted wife to the love of her life for over 56 years, CSM (Ret) Elbert Ivy Jr., a loving mother of six children, a grandmother of five, and a great grandmother of one. Ruby loved her family beyond measure and was a mentor, mother, friend, sister, and motivator to everyone she met. She had a gift for making people feel loved and valued. Her presence could brighten a room, and you felt the presence of God and pure goodness when she gave you her signature smile.

Ruby’s early years were spent in Cabin Creek, a small community near Charleston, West Virginia. As a coal miner’s daughter, whose father died when she was six years old, she didn’t have much but she was rich in the love of a devoted mother and the friendship of neighbors. Growing up with little, her quiet resilience and determination led her to graduate from Washington High school and to attend West Virginia State University, an HBCU, in Institute, West Virginia. While there, she graduated with a degree in Education and met her future life partner, Elbert Ivy, Jr.

After graduation, Ruby and Elbert married and began a 30-year adventure as a career Army family. Ruby faithfully accompanied Elbert, raising six children, while traveling to locations all over the United States and twice to Germany. As an Army wife, Ruby’s sweet spirit, love of adventure, and love of helping others, led her to tutor soldiers working toward their high school diploma and to teach in the American Dependent School System. She was elected president of the Noncommissioned Officers (NCO) Wives Club, served as a Girl Scout leader. During Elbert’s military service, she made every house a home and took every opportunity to explore the cultures and landscapes found in the United States and Europe. Upon Elbert’s retirement, the family made Olathe, Kansas their permanent home.

Once in Olathe, Ruby went right to work teaching fourth grade at Ridgeview Elementary School in the Olathe School District for over 25 years. She was passionate about the importance of a good education. She instilled this in her family, and it extended to her classroom. Ruby was a true servant of her community and devoted countless hours to organizations and causes that helped others. She was a life member of the NAACP, served as a member of the Olathe Police Civilian Corps, the Olathe School District Human Relations Committee, the Cedar House for wayward boys, the Keys Home for Girls, and was a Johnson County Election worker. She was a 40 plus member of Delta Kappa Gamma and Alpha Delta Kappa, both teachers’ sororities, a member of the American Association of University Women, and a member of Jack and Jill of Johnson, County. Finally, she was a 46-year member of her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated, a community service organization.

Ruby’s commitment to serving others extended into her Catholic faith. She was an active member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Olathe, Kansas, where she taught Catechism and served as a Eucharistic Minister. She was an active volunteer with Catholic Charities and generously gave her time serving at St. Mary’s Food Kitchen helping provide food and compassion to those in need. She practiced and lived her faith through her kindness, generosity and service to others.

Ruby’s passions were as vibrant as her personality. She loved music and loved dancing. She also loved to play bridge with friends and with her bridge club. She loved her sorority and had a special connection with babies and young people. And from an early age, Ruby was an advocate and participant in seeking justice for all.

Her many accomplishments and honors included a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from West Virginia State University and a Master of Arts from Ball State University, the NAACP Community Service Award, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated Mid-Western Region Outstanding Graduate Member Award and countless other acknowledgements earned through a lifetime of service and dedication.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, and husband Elbert Ivy Jr. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Risë Ivy, Lenora Ivy, Catherine (Ivy) Smith and husband Byron Smith, Janice Ivy, Douglas Ivy and wife Michelle Ivy, and Tracy Ivy Owens; her grandchildren: Danielle Etienne and husband Borge Etienne, Demitrius Owens, Amber Byron and husband Stephen Byron, Spencer Alan, and Marcus Ivy; her great grandson: Zion Byron and a host of other extended family members, friends, former students, sorority sisters, church family and neighbors whose lives were touched by her love.

Ruby lived a long life being a faithful servant of God. With a passion for education, service, and love for others. Her legacy is not only found in her many accomplishments but in the countless lives she touched and people she inspired to be kinder, better, and more compassionate. Her beautiful smile and unwavering spirit will remain forever in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers please contribute to the following on behalf of Ruby:

The Ivy Educational and Service Foundation Scholarship Fund

PO BOX 15321

Lenexa, KS 66285

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/V3W4FQA38LCSC

St. Paul Catholic Church Capital

21650 W 115th Terrace, Olathe, KS 66061

https://onrealm.org/spcatholic/-/form/give/CC