Ruby Gale Saylor Poole

Ruby Gale Saylor Poole, 84, of State College, died on July 16, 2025, at home with her family.
Born April 29, 1941, in Johnstown, PA, she was the daughter of the late Victor Rudolph Saylor and Audrey Lucille Livingston Saylor. On October 19, 1963, she married the love of her life, Lynn Allen Poole, who passed away on October 11, 2024. Lynn and Ruby were married for 60 years.
She is survived by her two children, Amy H. Garbrick and her husband, Donald F. Garbrick, of State College, PA, and Daniel Saylor Poole and his partner, Robert T. Adsit, of Madison, WI; one surviving sibling, Malinda Saylor Lloyd and her husband, Richard Lloyd, of Johnstown, PA. She was preceded in death by an infant brother Victor Saylor Jr., a brother Dennis Livingston Saylor and his wife, La Dawna Saylor, of Ashland, OR, a half-sister Opal Saylor Walker and her husband, Robert Walker, and a half-brother Quay Saylor and his wife, Marie Saylor.
She leaves behind two beloved grandchildren: Jimmy Hughes, of State College, PA, and Jacquelyn Hughes, of Boalsburg, PA. Jimmy is married to Ophelia-Marie Hughes. Ruby was a proud and loving great-grandmother to Octavia-Joy Za, Judah Don Lynn, Jasper Alan, and Calista Jane Hughes. She cherished her family deeply and found great joy in their accomplishments. Ruby was especially proud that all of her children and grandchildren graduated from Penn State University.
A 1959 graduate of Conemaugh Township High School in Davidsville, PA, Ruby followed in her mother's footsteps and became a nurse. She earned her RN from Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Johnstown, PA, in 1962 and maintained her nursing license well into her elder years.
Ruby worked as an RN at Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital, Johnstown, PA, a scrub nurse in the operating room (OR) at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ, a scrub nurse in the OR at Bellefonte Hospital (later known as Centre Community Hospital, then Mount Nittany Medical) in Bellefonte, PA, a RN at Ritenour Health Center at Penn State University in University Park, PA, and as a private duty nurse in State College, PA..
Ruby had a deep faith in Jesus. She was active in numerous women's Bible studies and fellowship groups over the years. She worshipped and served at several congregations, including Bellefonte Presbyterian Church in Bellefonte, PA, Bethel Church of the Nazarene in State College, PA, and Christ Community Church in State College, PA. Her volunteer service extended beyond the church to community activities such as Girl Scouts.
For many years, Ruby was a homemaker. Ruby enjoyed homemaking and was an excellent cook. She took care of elderly relatives in their home, including Lynn's mother and Lynn's aunt. Ruby was very hospitable and welcomed many into their home. Her warmth and hospitality were a constant in the lives of her family and friends.
Ruby and Lynn shared many passions, including attending Penn State football and women's basketball games. They faithfully attended their children's and grandchildren's concerts, games, and events. They were also avid nature photographers, frequently embarking on trips in their pop-up truck camper to destinations like Alaska and Yellowstone. They captured many images of majestic landscapes and wildlife, including grizzly bears, elk, and bald eagles.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to UPMC Home Hospice and Home Instead of State College for their assistance with the compassionate care of Ruby.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College.
A celebration of life service will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Christ Community Church of State College, 200 Ellis Place, State College, with Pastor Mitch Smith officiating.
Ruby will be laid to rest beside her husband in Harmony Cemetery, Westover, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Community Church of State College, 200 Ellis Place, State College, 16801, or the Alzheimer's Association at https://www.alz.org.
Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.