Ruby Skipper

Arlene Skipper VIRGINIA BEACH - Ruby Arlene Reynolds Skipper of Virginia Beach died Sunday, July 12, 2009, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Oct. 29, 1931, in Campbellsburg, Ind., to Everett and Ruby Mae Reynolds. She grew up in various small towns in Indiana as the daughter of a preacher. She joined the United States Navy in 1949 and served for eight years. While in the Navy, she met and married Clinton Henry "Skip" Skipper, who preceded her in death. They were married for 39 years. Arlene is survived by her brother, Morry Reynolds of Norfolk, and her cousin, Bobby Gene McClain of Frankfort, Ky. She is also survived by her children, Kim Laurent and her husband Jeff, Jeff Skipper and his wife Marie, Malia Rhea and her husband Gardner, and Kari Skipper Foster. She had seven grandchildren, Richard Vantuyl, Jessica Thomas, David Vantuyl, Amanda Perry, Zachary Skipper, Rachel Foster and Abigail Rhea; and three great-grandchildren, Niyanna Thomas, Trey Thomas, and Isabella Perry. After leaving the Navy, she worked as a nurse around the country as the family moved with the military. Locally, she worked at Lake Taylor Hospital, Bayside Hospital and she proudly served as the first director of nursing at Beth Sholom Nursing Home until 1986, when she retired from nursing and became a real estate agent. She retired in 1994. In retirement, she served as a volunteer for numerous organizations, including The Association for Research and Enlightenment, The Virginia Symphony, The Virginia Opera, The Generic Theater, The Virginia Stage Company, and The Norfolk Little Theater. She sang in the choir at Virginia Beach Christian Church, where she was a member since 1978. She was also a member of the Virginia Beach chapter of the American Society of Dowsers, Solo of Tidewater, and the American Contract Bridge League. She beat breast cancer twice and fought small cell lung cancer to the end. Arlene was a strong-willed, beautiful and intelligent woman who cherished her family and friends and showered them with love and humor. She was one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all who were blessed enough to know her. The family will receive friends Thursday, July 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Altmeyer Funeral Home, Greenwich Road, in Virginia Beach. Burial will be private. There will be a celebration of her life Friday, July 17, at 6:30 p.m. at Virginia Beach Christian Church on Great Neck Road in Virginia Beach. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Virginia Beach Christian Church, The American Cancer Society or to any of the organizations for which she volunteered. Condolences may be expressed at Altmeyer.com.