Ruby Mann

Our wonderful mom, grandmother and best friend, Ruby Mann, 91, of Billings, unexpectedly passed away on May 21, 2010.

She was born in Miles City on Sept. 27, 1918, the oldest of four children, born to Ed and Mildred Damm. She lived on her dad's ranch on Pumpkin Creek until she met and married Harold Mann. They resided on Harold's ranch in the Powderville area until moving to Billings in 1950.

She is survived by five daughters, Carol Steiger (David) of Billings, Verna Dupuis (Mike) of Bozeman, Sandy Breitenstein-Avery (Dan) of Billings, Sue Jackson of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Donna Churchill (Dave) of Billings; 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; as well at her sister, Ruth Iholts of Oregon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruby was a very active, compassionate, loving person who cared for her family and friends. She babysat Carmen Mullen, who became part of the family. Because of her kind and caring spirit, she began to work as a nurse's aide at Deaconess Hospital in Billings. After years as an aide, she pursued her studies to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. She retired from nursing in August 1983. Following retirement, she continued to serve at Deaconess Hospital, volunteering as a Pink Lady. She had many past and present hobbies, which included bowling, raising her animals on the ranch, her passion for quilting, her flowers and garden. Ruby was an extensive traveler, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, including Germany and Hawaii. She had loved her motor home and enjoyed camping and being outdoors with her children and grandchildren.

Her greatest sorrow in her life is when she lost her grandson, Corey Jackson, in August of 2000. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Harold; two brothers, Bob and Bill Damm.

Memorials may be sent to the VFW of Billings, Post # 1634, 139 Moore Lane, Billings, MT 59101, or the charity of one's choice. 

Visitation will be on Sunday, May 23, from noon to 8 p.m., Monday, May 24, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and prior to the service. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Please join the family for a celebration of Ruby's life, which will be held at the North Park Community Center, corner of Eighth Avenue North and North 19th Street, following the burial.

Michelotti-Sawyers is in charge of arrangements and remembrances may be shared with the family at http://www.michelottisawyers.com" target= "_blank">www.michelottisawyers.com.