Elizabeth Jane Ruby, 103, passed away on Thursday, May 5 at Kavanagh House. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, May 14, 2022, at WDM United Methodist Church, 720 Grand Ave. A private family burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery.
Jane Ruby was born on December 3, 1918 in Mason City, Iowa to Bernice (Poer) and Arthur Hofler. She graduated from Rudd High School in 1937, earned a B.A. in music education at Iowa State Teachers College (UNI) in 1941, a Master’s degree in education at Drake University, and post-graduate music studies at the University of Iowa.
Her life was centered on music, as a career and as a volunteer. She had a distinguished 42 year career teaching music in Collins, Miles, Leon, Hampton, Fairfield, and Des Moines, ending her career as acting Associate Professor of Music Education at Drake University. Jane was a clinician and music festival choral director and adjudicator throughout the Midwest for over 35 years. In retirement Jane was a mentor, accompanist, and arranger for the WDM United Methodist Church Celebration Quartet for over 19 years.
Jane belonged to many organizations including SAI Music Fraternity, Treble Clef, PEO, and was an active member of WDM UMC for over 40 years. She lived at Scottish Rite Park for 25 years serving on various committees and frequently playing the piano for special occasions. She enjoyed golf, bridge, needlework, red wine, cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes, volunteering at Living History Farms, and traveling to Europe several times.
Jane married Lloyd Ruby in 1948 and he preceded her in death in 1995. Also preceding her in death was her brother, Ward Hofler and nephew, Larry Hofler. Jane is survived by six nieces and nephews as well as several great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Des Moines Symphony or WDM United Methodist Church E. Jane Ruby Music Endowment Fund.
