Connie Ruby

Connie Rae Crozier Ruby
WENDELL - Connie Ruby, 59, of Wendell, passed away February 20, 2012, at her home. 
She was born January 25, 1953, the second of six children and the only girl to Lyal and Betty Lou Crozier, of Jerome, Idaho, in the Twin Falls Memorial Hospital. She always said that she had five brothers, but her folks raised "six boys," always considering herself "one of the guys." From the time she could first walk, she was usually found following her dad, or catching a ride on one of the many horses her dad bought and sold. 
As she grew up, though still in grade school, she moved to her "summer quarters" during the summer months, out in her personal "apartment" in the garage - the envy of all her friends, at the family acreage south of Jerome.  
As Connie became a teenager, she and her beloved brother, Reed, and partner in crime, Patty Sonnichsen, spent most of their waking hours riding horses and helping Lyal sell horses to kids all over Magic Valley. Connie was an excellent student throughout her school years, and was inducted into the National High School Honor Society. 
Connie's career in business began early, in high school, when she was selected as the only student in Jerome to work for the Jerome Chamber of Commerce, and started paying for her own clothes and many of her personal expenses, at the age of 16. Upon graduating from Jerome High School in 1971, she became employed at Moore Business Forms in Jerome, where she worked until 1979. Connie's work ethic was exemplary continually exceeding everyone's expectations of her. 
In 1972, Connie married John Lickley and later divorced. They had one child, Dustin, who has been one of Connie's greatest joys. 
On April 28, 1979, Connie married her true soul mate, Roland Ruby, and they were married for nearly 33 years, the best years of their lives. That same year, Connie and Roland moved to Pocatello, where they started a wonderful new life with family and friends. 
True to form, Connie started her new career with the City of Pocatello, where she was the utility billing manager, until her retirement on her 30th anniversary with the city, in 2010. One of the best celebrations remembered in Pocatello was held to commemorate Connie's long successful career, with hundreds of friends and co-workers in attendance.
Connie and Roland had a rich, wonderful life with each other, their family, and friends, which was truly a celebration of their life together, everyday. With Roland as her coach, she became an accomplished roper. Connie and Roland cherished their many years, helping the Bannock Roping Club, with many late nights of fun, roping, and laughing with their friends. 
Connie and Roland were also active members of the Pocatello Trap Club, serving as board members and often helped with the production of many successful trap shoots. 
But the horses were always the backdrop for Connie and Roland's best memories. Connie and Roland have always been so proud of their kids, Dustin, Coni, Rusty, Kirk, and Snicker. The horses were a big influence in the lives of their children, as they grew up. Together, the kids were always involved with Connie and Roland in roping, many years of high school rodeo, camping, and four-wheeling in the mountains. 
And throughout Connie's life, she always had a good horse. Many great horseback hunting trips were shared throughout their marriage, and many successful hunts. Connie was an accomplished shooter, with quite a reputation as an upland game hunter. One of their best horseback memories was their trip into the Middle Fork in 2001, a 100-mile round trip, over some of the roughest, steepest country in the Northwest. Connie said it was one of the best trips of her life, but one she wouldn't repeat, ever, considering the rattlesnakes and steep cliffs. 
In July, 2011, Connie and Roland were able to fulfill a lifelong dream, returning "home" to Magic Valley, where she and Roland settled into their acreage, and transforming it into the Ruby homestead, for them, their dog, and their horses. In the short time they enjoyed their new home, they were surrounded with friends and family, and many happy memories. Connie took particular delight in her grandchildren and great grandchildren and was able to spend many wonderful hours, playing with the kids.
Connie was courageous, right to the end, just like she lived her entire life. The world was an adventure to her, and she was always up for the challenge, with Roland next to her.
Connie will be remembered by the rich legacy of family she leaves behind, including her beloved husband, Roland; son, Dustin (Kim) Lickley, Jerome; daughter, Coni (Jim) Bolton, Filer; son, Rusty (Martha) Ruby, Grantsville, Utah; son, Kirk (Marla Elliott) Ruby, Jerome; son, Rodney "Snicker" (DeAnn) Ruby, Tooele, Utah; and her grandchildren, James (Cathy) Bolton, Tara (Justin) Gordon, Bryan Bolton, Jake Ruby, Shalleece (Sam) Clegg, Lance Ruby, Cody Ruby, Crystal Ruby, Sheala Rae Lickley, and six great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her faithful lap pal, Bugs. She is also survived by her mother, Betty Lou Crozier; brothers, Ron (Karen) Crozier, Jerome, Reed (Colleen) Crozier, Jerome, John (Jill) Crozier, Jerome, Sandy Crozier, Seattle, and Jerry Crozier, Twin Falls. She was preceded in death by her father, Lyal, and grandson, Braidin William Lickley.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday February 23, 2012, at Living Waters Presbyterian Church, 821 East Main, Wendell, Idaho. 
Connie's family suggests that in lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials be made in Connie's name at any Farmers Bank branch. Memorials will be used to support the Pocatello Trap Club, where Connie was a dedicated member. 
Arrangements are under the care of Farnsworth Mortuary of Jerome.