Ruby Marie Cates

Ruby went home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 30, 2017, in Visalia, CA with her daughters by her side. Ruby M. Anderson was born in Martha, Oklahoma in 1927. Graduated from local schools and entered Oklahoma A&M, later graduated from Fresno State College.

She married Billy Burdell Cates in 1945 while he was serving in the United States Navy. They lived in Corpus Christi, Texas and she served as a secretary to a Naval officer. After Bill’s discharge, they moved to California.

In 1946, Ruby accepted her first teaching position in Pixley, where she taught for two years. She later did substitute work in Fresno and Tulare Counties. In 1955, she began teaching in Farmersville and in 1968 began teaching in Visalia. Ruby retired from Valley Oak Middle School in 1984.

She was a member of the Visalia United Methodist Church; lifetime member of the Farmersville PTA; CTA and the California Retired Teachers. At one time she was a member of Rainbow Girls and a very active member of the Visalia Eastern Star.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, in 2002. Also her parents and eight brothers and sisters preceded her.

She is survived by her daughters: Sharon Vasser and husband Jim of Napa, CA and Charise Cates of Porterville, CA and many nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 6, 2017 from 3 – 7 p.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia. Celebration of Life services will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel in Visalia. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Visalia United Methodist Church, 5200 W. Caldwell Ave., Visalia, CA 93277 or donor’s favorite charity.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA (559) 732-8371.