Ruby Alice Kelsey, 89, left us, surrounded by family on Feb. 10, 2026.

Born on Feb. 16, 1936, to Charie Earl and Frances Gladys Glaspie, Ruby was a proud native of Flagstaff, Arizona. Her family was her world, and her community was part of her family. Growing up under the shadows of Mount Elden and the San Francisco Peaks, Ruby didn't know when she prepared to go on a first date, on Christmas Eve 1952, that it would be her last first date. Ruby married the man who would become her life-long partner, Donald O'Neal Kelsey, on Feb. 7 (Don's birthday), 1953. Every day of their 73-year marriage, they would begin each morning with a toast, saying, "to a good day."

Don and Ruby knew no horizon, traveling the globe together including multiple countries in Europe. On the west side of the Atlantic Ocean, they enjoyed going on cruises, traveling to places like Canada and Mexico. Most of all, they loved traveling in their RV, visiting every state in the United States, sometimes taking their grandchildren along on their adventures. Their favorite spots were traveling up and down historic Highway 1, visiting Pismo Beach and Bodega Bay before venturing into the wilds of Alaska. When they weren't traveling, they were leading other dancers on the square-dancing floor. Later, they would cheer on their favorite team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, proudly announcing, "Taco Tuesday" after every D-backs win.

While raising her two sons, Dan and Bryan, Ruby opened her heart and her home to her community. She gave back in a variety of ways, including volunteering at the hospital. Anyone who came to the house was family; her door was always open to anyone who needed a "Grammy". To receive one of Ruby's smiles or hugs was to feel love.

Ruby enjoyed gardening and crafting, when she wasn't passing on her love of baking to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ruby always remembered everyone's favorite pie, cake, or cookies, baking them when they'd visit or for birthdays. She took after her mother, Frances "Grams" in ensuring everyone was fed and happy.

Ruby was preceded by her parents, Charlie and Frances, as well as her siblings, Charlie Ray, Pearl Elizabeth, and Garlin Albert Glaspie.

Ruby's legacy will be carried on through three generations of her family; her sons, Dan (Susan) and Bryan (Debbie); four grandchildren, Daniel (Bridget), Daniell (Stacey), Frances (Edward), and Karen (Jeff); and seven great grandchildren, Dominic, Blake, Connor, Gavin, Isabella, Jakx, and Ryleigh.

A memorial will be held on Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. at Norvel Owens Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a donation in Ruby's honor to your favorite charity.

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself;

that where I am, there ye may be also." – James 14:3 (KJV)