Ruby Marie (Morgan) Heinrichs

Salinas - It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing of our dearly beloved mom, grandmother, and friend - Ruby Marie (Morgan) Heinrichs.

Ruby was born on February 29, 1936 (leap year baby!) in Danville, Illinois to parents Gladys and Kenneth Morgan. She was an independent soul who developed a love of helping others early on in life. She travelled alone in a broken-down car from rural Danville, Illinois to California in a time before cell phones and other amenities. After arriving in California in the early sixties following an adventurous 3-day-drive, she lived first in Cupertino where she obtained a master's degree at SJSU. Then she moved to Salinas, where she continued a long career in teaching primary school children... a profession that fit her philanthropic nature to a T and was her obvious calling in life. She cared deeply for everyone she taught, staying in on lunch hours, ferrying struggling children to school, and even tutoring in the evening. Ruby was also well known for being a people person! She loved organizing and hosting large scale family parties, neighborhood barbeques, sing-a-longs and other activities that brought people closer together and in touch. Ruby loved playing bridge with her friends, going to church, and through it all, she loved spreading her unstoppable love of music to the children of Salinas and beyond. She had a tremendous sense of humor and was legendary for starting humorous anecdotes, yet being unable to finish them on account of her own continuous laughter.

Ruby loved to travel. She orchestrated the purchase of a motorhome, which became our family's vehicle for weekend journeys, and, of course, friends, relatives and neighbors were always welcome to ride along. After her husband Paul became ill, she went above and beyond so that both could live together in their home for as long as possible. After a short bout with pneumonia, she passed at home with family nearby and friends calling with cherished memories.

Ruby will be sorely missed by her brother Sonny, children Tina and spouse Fran, Paul and spouse Doris, and her grandchildren Kaila, Christopher, Katherine, Niklas and Anne.

With the passing of Ruby, the world has lost one of most generous and TOUGHEST human beings on the planet; Despite having to endure considerable pain for many years, Ruby never complained. Mom, what we wouldn't do for a time machine. You will be missed!

In lieu of flowers please donate to https://www.calhospice.org/ as they provided excellent care to Ruby and family during this difficult time.

Funeral Arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.

Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com