Ruby Lee Sowder

What a great loss! Ruby was my other mother. I began dancing with Ruby when I was 20 years old. The Good Lord received another angel. Pictured are: Ruby, Debbie, Norma, Merle and Sue. We were Ruby's first dance troupe that grew to 10 when we competed in San Francisco and won 'Belly Dance Troupe of the Year". Fun time !!!

Ruby was not only my Godmother, but mentor in my Life! Her charismatic personalty and vibrant energy was intoxicating. She had a talent of lifting up all those who came into her life! She taught me how to gain confidence with my femininity thru belly dancing and then applying those talents to performing singing telegrams. There was never a dull moment at the Sowder household.., from the cackling Black Crow in the kitchen to Peaches, the cockatoo bird I shipped via fed-ex knowing she would care for my bird. Ruby holds a dear place in my life, gone physically - but never forgotten. May your spirit live on. Tina D.

Ruby made all our lives significantly richer for having known her. This photo was from the night she was awarded the Women of Distinction award. There had been a letter writing campaign where MANY of her students wrote in on her behalf. The night of the award dozens of us wore red for our Ruby, and we shook the hall with celebratory noise when she won. She is missed and loved.