Ruby V. Atrops

1913 - 2010

Ruby Atrops, died at age 96 on Sunday, October 17, at her home in Oxnard.

She was born October 24, 1913 in Grassy, Mo. Her parents, Floyd and Millie Sitze, moved their family to Rosemead, Calif. in 1923. Ruby graduated from Pasadena City College as an RN. She married Rev. Elmer Atrops in 1940 and they soon settled into Oxnard, as Rev. Atrops became pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church until his death in 1966.

They had a family of nine children. She resumed her vocation as a nurse and worked part time for many years in the newborn nursery at St. John's Hospital in Oxnard. Her tenacious spirit helped her through many years of challenges, bouts of cancer and hip fractures. She was a strong, steadfast mother and provider for her large family. This strength and assurance came from her faith in God's promises through Christ Jesus and remained with her through her final days.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Estel, and her husband Elmer. She is survived by three sons and their spouses: Martin (and Lori) Atrops of Eagle River, Alaska, David (and Linda) Atrops of Redding, Calif., and Arthur (and Susan) Atrops of Santa Maria, Calif., and also by six daughters and their spouses: Judith Zecher (and Bill) of Madison, Ala., Janet Krause (and Bill) of Oxnard, Calif., Joanne Neff (and Bruce) of Grover Beach, Calif., Jeanine Henke (and Mike) of Oxnard, Calif., Jenilyn Kerstein (and Paul) of Simi Valley, Calif., and Julene Fenenga (and Chip) of Buellton, Calif. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Reardon Mortuary in Ventura. Following a private burial service at Ivy Lawn Cemetery in Ventura, a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 25 at Grace Lutheran Church, 6190 Telephone Road, Ventura. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made by check payable to LCMS World Mission or the Institute for Creation Research and sent to family at 1951 Rhonda Street, Oxnard, CA 93036.