Ruby Marr

1922 - 2022

Ruby Elizabeth Marr passed away peacefully with loving care in Boulder, on October 23. Ruby was born on, in Douglas, Arizona. Her father, Ulrich Rieder had immigrated from Switzerland as a young man, and her mother, Mary, had come from Kentucky to teach. They lived in the Chiricahua Mountains where her father prospected, drove the mail, and raised apples and her mother taught in 1 room schools. Ruby loved this natural setting, however, because it was so remote a good education was not available. She often lived with relatives in California and Minnesota to attend school, and in 1939 she graduated from high school in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. In her adult life, Ruby continued learning through higher education and new experiences. From 1939-43 she attended Santa Anna Jr. College and Arizona State College, where she graduated with a BA in Biology. Following this, she taught high school science in Clarkdale, AZ. Ruby wanted to contribute to the war effort and joined the Coast Guard Spars. She was stationed in California and worked in radio communications from 1944-46. One of her most significant memories from this time was attending the plenary session of the United Nations. At the end of the war, she enrolled in the University of California, Berkley, where she earned a Master's Degree in Education in 1948. Her coursework included many science classes, and Ruby was recruited to work at the Hanford Plutonium Plant the following year. She returned to Arizona to teach high school biology from 1949 to 1955 in Ajo and Phoenix. Ruby first came to Boulder during these years to attend summer school, studying biology, while avoiding the summer heat of Arizona. An excellent student, she was accepted into the CU Biology Ph.D. program and took Professor John Marr's Plant Ecology course. Discovering shared values and interests beyond academics, they married in 1956. Within a few years, Ken and Linda were born. Ruby was a devoted wife and mother. As a family, they spent many wonderful summers at 'Science Lodge', now the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station. They also enjoyed camping and hiking throughout the west, as well as field trips with students. Ruby shared her love of the natural world and raised her children to embrace the mystery and wonder of both science and faith, giving them a firm foundation for life. Her family was Ruby's top priority. Beyond her family, Ruby served others and enriched her life. This included teaching preschool, volunteering in schools, recording books for the blind, teaching ESL/literacy programs, and being involved in respite care. Sewing, woodworking, and making beautiful quilts with the 1st Presbyterian Church Sewing Circle were some of the ways she expressed creativity. Ruby enjoyed many ages and generations of neighbors on Norton Street and was known for her flower gardens, and lovely yard. She engaged her mind through lectures, concerts, and classes. Ruby was always up for an adventure, whether discovering new treasures in the Boulder area; touring with friends to other parts of Colorado, or traveling internationally. From Australia to the Arctic, Europe to China, and Borneo to Alaska, Ruby explored the world in her 70's and 80's. The last years of Ruby's life were spent at the Meridian and Frasier Meadows. In these places, she grew new relationships, and treasured time with dear friends. She read the paper, participated in group activities & discussions, and continued to be engaged in life around her, as well as the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her wit and graciousness remained, even at 99! Some of her favorite sayings were: "this too shall pass", "a job worth doing is worth doing well", and "into every life, a little rain must fall". Her family gives thanks for the many blessings of her life. Ruby was preceded in death by her husband John (1989). Ruby is survived by daughter Linda Trousil (Robert) and granddaughters Melia Lu and Jin Yue of Juneau, AK, and son Ken Marr (Cheryl) and granddaughter Metea Castilleja of Victoria, BC, Canada. There will be a Remembrance of Life Service at Grace Commons Church Chapel, on November 26, at 1:00. Donations to honor Ruby's life may be made to the Wild Animal Sanctuary, Keenesburg, Colorado, or the John W Marr Ecology Fund (University Colorado).