Ruby Lessley

1926 - 2016

Ruby Alene Lessley, beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother was called home to be with the Lord on July 19, 2016. She lived her life serving God and passed peacefully at her farm home in Earlimart, California.

Ruby was born March 6, 1926, to Homer and Sally Gifford. Throughout her life, she relied on her strong family bonds and involvement in the church. Her early upbringing forged her path to an amazing life and raising a beautiful family. She stayed true to her values until the end.

Ruby was born in Colton, California, and was raised with her older brother Frank. She spent most of her younger years in Colton. While Ruby was in the 3rd grade her family moved to Wasco for work during the Great Depression. Her family lived in a tent and she and Frank would work with her parents after school. Her parents would not let the Great Depression affect them. After returning to Colton the family returned to normal activities. Ruby would always reflect how this shaped her life in regards to family values, and her faith in the Lord.

After high school, Ruby attended Pepperdine University for one semester. She focused on clerical skills. As her time in school coincided with WWII, she was able to get bookkeeping and clerical jobs. Ruby worked at the San Bernardino Air Depot in 1943. Then after moving to McFarland with her family she graded potatoes at the McFarland Potato Shed. In 1945, while working as a telephone operator she met her future husband Wayne while on a double date. They were not dating each other that evening. Wayne kept looking at Ruby through the rear view mirror. Wayne was her only date after that, and they were engaged a week later. She married her cowboy December 13, 1946, only 3 months later. In 1951 Wayne and Ruby began to farm together in Earlimart. Over the years their variety of crops and cattle turned into grapes and finally pistachios. Ruby was the bookkeeper for Wayne Lessley Farms Wayne and Ruby raised five sons and were married for over 50 years. She also owned a dress shop, Country Miss, in Earlimart from 1967-1972.

She enjoyed writing the Central Church of Christ newsletter for many years. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Since she was a gracious hostess, she often entertained church members at her home. During her final years, the church members would meet at Ruby's home so she could still participate in church services.

Ruby was competitive and excellent at many things. She could beat anyone at Scrabble, and liked to read romance novels. She was a member of the Soroptimist International Delano, and the Monday Ann's group in Earlimart. Her close friends continued that group with the Out to Lunch Bunch.

She had a passion for sports which included Golf and Fishing. She played in countless Golf Tournaments. Ruby always cheered for the San Francisco 49er's so she could compete against her son's teams. Her motorhome trips always included family and loyal friends.

Thanksgiving was Ruby's holiday. Her love of family always was reflected in the large gatherings at her home. Her doors were open to all family and friends, especially if they brought a homemade pie. One year the pie count was 37.

Ruby was preceded in death by her father, mother, brother, and husband. She is survived by her five sons and daughters -in- law, Jerry, and Anabel, Rodney and Louise, Michael and Rebecca, Jeffrey and Kacey, Ronald and Dana. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the Visiting Angels Caregivers, Janet Brazell and her daughter Kara for the care they gave Ruby.

Services will be held at Delano Mortuary, 707 Browning Road, Delano 9321 on Thursday, August 4th. Viewing is 9:00 am, Funeral Service is at 10:00 am. Please share memories and condolences at www.delanomortuary.com