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Ruby Stanley Obituary
Ruby May Stanley passed peacefully from this life on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 surrounded by family and friends in Wilmington. Born on May 26, 1936 in Middletown, DE, Ruby was the daughter of the late Norman Walker Kumpel and the late Ruby Reynolds Whitlock, and was raised by her aunt, the late May Kumpel, upon the early passing of her parents.
Ruby graduated from the University of Delaware in 1958 with a degree in Mathematics, later earning her Master's Degree in that field. One of the first technical women to be hired by DuPont Engineering, she was a software developer, teacher and programming consultant for nearly 40 years before retiring in 1993. She wrote programs for estimation and modeling of statistical data and quality long before any commercial software was available.
Ruby was an integral part at the Wilmington Drama League since 1968 and held various positions on the board of directors (including president from 1993-1998). She was also a director, costumer and actress. Her most recent principle role was the lead in "Driving Miss Daisy".
Ruby was preceded in death by her mentor and companion, Bob Withers.
Ruby is survived by her family, including the children of her lifelong friend, the late Jean Birch. Ruby counted as her family Cynthia Shields and her fianc‚, Patrick DeSmet and her daughters, Angela Cannon and Jacqueline Shields and their sons, Jacob Cannon and Andrew Martin; Christopher Birch and his wife, Linda and their son, Christopher Jr.; Steven Birch and his companion, Virginia and family, Joey, Jimmy and Grace; Gregory Birch and daughter, CJ, son Brendan and grandson, Hayden; Marcel Forestieri; Ted Whitlcok (Betty), Howard Whitlock (Andi), Rodney Whitlock, Helen Alexander, Olive Jane Shallcross; Lisa Whitlock-Merenda (Jay), Ruby Merenda and Griffin Merenda. Ruby is also survived by countless friends from DuPont, the Wilmington Drama League and others who shared her love of theatre, travel, crafts, jewelry and shopping, including longtime friends, Esther Steele, Mary Jenkins, Shirley Stanley and Margaret Sarner.
Friends and family are invited to visitation at the DOHERTY FUNERAL HOME, 1900 Delaware Ave., Wilmington on Saturday, January 22 from 9:00 - 10:30 am, with funeral services beginning at 10:30 am. Interment will be in Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery immediately thereafter. A reception will follow at the Wilmington Drama League.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ruby's honor may be made to the Wilmington Drama League, 10 W. Lea Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19802 or the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, 4755 Ogletown Stanton Rd., Newark, DE 19713. To offer online
condolences, please visit
www.dohertyfh.com
302-999-8277
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruby Stanley
January 21, 2011
Ruby Stanley was a gracious lady. She was the epitome of a lady as in the days of "My Fair Lady". I met her through community theatre, a great passion of mine. She costumed me, mentored me, and taught me just about all that I know about costuming. She was a delightful person. WDL and Brandywiners will never be the same without her. I think we all know she will be with us in spirit and we will hear her whisper in her quiet voice to us on stage and off "You know you can do it!"
With great regret for the loss of Ruby and condolences to her family,
Deb Buchler
Elaine Jester-Scanlan
January 21, 2011
My parents, Dot and Ed Jester introduced Ruby to the Drama League a long time ago and were very good friends from then on. That extended to the Brandywiners and beyond. We loved Ruby like family and have so many fond memories. Mom and
Dad are gone now but I'm here to say Ruby will be missed by all those who knew her. What a great lady, the theater community has lost one of the best!!
January 21, 2011
Although we lost touch after childhood and college I will never forget what a great friend and person she was.
Ron McGinnis
Jeff Murphy
January 21, 2011
Ruby was one of a kind and a smart cookie to boot. Without boundless energy like hers, volunteering and serving her fellow thespians and theatre lovers, entities like the WDL and the Brandywiners could not exist. God bless Ruby May Stanley.
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Alicia Ann Chomo
January 21, 2011
I have had the honor of knowing Ruby since 1970. The costumes she made for me were as precious as works of art. My heart aches for the loss of a dear friend, but to know that she is finally reunited with the love of her life, Bob Withers, is a great comfort to me
Beverly Andrus
January 21, 2011
Ruby Stanley was a joy to work with at Wilmington Drama League. Her energy and beautiful spirit will continue to serve.
Thank you dear lady.
Louise Craigen
January 21, 2011
Ruby introduced me to the Wilmington Drama League. She was an inspiration to me and, I'm sure, countless others who met her. (Louise Craigen, DE)
Barbara Burris Gruwell
January 20, 2011
May you brighten heaven as you did
down here on earth. My sympathies.
May her family and friends find comfort
in the days ahead. God Bless.
Kristyn Robinson
January 20, 2011
The world never knew another Ruby Stanley, and never will. I am proud to have known her, and will miss her terribly.
Valerie Jermusyk
January 20, 2011
Ruby was an amazing woman and touched many lives through the Wilmington Drama League. She will be missed greatly.
Steven Birch
January 20, 2011
Aunt ruby you are the light of my life.
Steven Birch
January 20, 2011
Dear Aunt Ruby,
I love you very much and
miss you already.MY world will never be the same without you.Hope you and Mom have a great time getting heaven in order.You are a great woman,and I wish the rest of the world could have met you.Love Forever,Steve
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Doherty Funeral Homes, Inc. - Delaware Avenue1900 Delaware Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806
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