Ruby Hagopian Jebejian

Ruby Jebejian, born on September 14, 1916 in Fresno to Abraham and Alice Hagopian, died peacefully in Clovis on March 13, 2012 surrounded by her family. Ruby spent her youth in Fresno attending grade school and Roosevelt High School, where she was involved in sports and earned a letter in athletics. At age 17 she met Walter Jebejian, the love of her life. After they married and moved to Los Angeles, they started their family and enjoyed an active social life. Ruby played badminton and was a member of a bowling league. She worked in the family’s upholstery business where she honed her skills as an excellent seamstress. In 1963, Walter and Ruby moved to Visalia for the opportunity to manage a Giant Dollar store. In later years, Ruby helped Walter establish their successful business, J. Walters Custom Draperies.

Ruby had a life-long interest in art, and although she never considered herself an artist, her talent and creativity were very apparent. She was an excellent cook and delighted in preparing many of her family’s traditional Armenian recipes. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt; Ruby’s pride and joy was her family. Her kind, loving, and generous spirit were only surpassed by her beautiful smile.

Ruby is preceded in death by Walter, her husband of 51 years; parents Alice and Abraham Hagopian; sisters Angie Eskender and Margaret Manoogian, and brother Jack Hagopian. She is survived by her daughters Catherine Essegian and her husband Howard, and Irene Antranikian and her husband Stanley; grandchildren, Tina Essegian, Ty Essegian, Gwen Essegian, Mark Antranikian, Christine Antranikian, Gail Breton and her husband Carlos; great-grandchildren, William and Kathryn Breton; her sister, Eleanor Vartanian and her husband Victor; and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family wishes to thank loving caregivers Elizabeth, Nara, Kristina and Yevko who generously treated Ruby like a member of their family. They are also grateful for the very special care she received from Pat and her staff at Clovis Quality Care, along with Saint Agnes Hospice.

Ruby will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 19, 2012 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia, California. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel in Visalia with burial to follow at Visalia District Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations may be made to Saint Agnes Hospice, 6729 N. Willow Avenue, Fresno, CA 93710 or donor’s favorite charity.

Condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.