Ruby Mae VanScharrel

Ruby VanScharrel Obituary Ruby VanScharrel, age 90, of Howard, SD, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Madison Regional Health System. Services will be 10:30 am, Monday, July 28, 2025, at Beach United Methodist Church in Howard, with burial at Graceland Cemetery, Howard. Visitation will be 5-7 pm, Sunday, at the church and one hour preceding the service.
Ruby Mae (Noble) VanScharrel was born May 29, 1935 to Eldon (Jud) and Lillian (Servold) Noble in Mitchell. She lived with her parents near Mt Vernon until they moved to the homestead of her Great Grandfather Servold. He had settled in the Belleview area of Howard, SD, when arriving from Norway. She was baptized and confirmed at the Belleview Lutheran Church.
Ruby attended grades 1-8 at Jacobs School in the Belleview Township. When she was 8 years, old a fire took their home. A few months later a tornado took the rest of their farm buildings. She attended Howard High School and graduated in 1953.
Ruby married Elwood at Belleview Lutheran Church on August 17, 1952. They celebrated 71 years together before Elwood passed on December 15, 2023. Elwood was stationed in Kennewick, WA with the US Army. After high school graduation, Ruby joined him. They lived there with four other couples, developing lifelong friendships. While living in WA, Debra was born. Elwood was discharged and they returned to SD in January 1955 where they lived and began farming near Carthage, SD. Rhonda was born while living there. In 1958, they moved to the Grafton and Belleview Township areas by Howard. In 1960, they bought the farm they called home for the next 52 years. During these farming years they welcomed Beckie, Teresa and Brenda, completing their family of 5 daughters. Ruby was an avid sewer, making many little dresses and bridesmaid gowns for her daughters. She cooked endless meals for farm crews and always had dessert made for every meal. Ruby loved playing tricks on grandkids, playing cards and various games. She and Elwood hosted out-of-state pheasant hunters, who stayed in their home - cooking for them for many years.
In 2012, Elwood and Ruby moved into Howard, SD. They remodeled the home Elwood's parents had built across from the Methodist Church. Over the years, Ruby loved spending time with family, hosting many gatherings and just spending time together. Ruby enjoyed being active in many organizations, including the American Legion Auxiliary. As a strong faithful member of the Beach United Methodist Church in Howard. She held many positions including various UWF officer positions, church treasurer, various committees, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Teacher. Ruby was an active Leader of the Grafton Gals 4-H Club and enjoyed 41 years camping at the SD State Fair with her family and friends. Carrying on a dear friend's tradition, Ruby always had bing bars to share. The Miner County Farm & Home Show and the annual 4-H pie auctions were places where Ruby enjoyed making pies to exhibit and donate. She chaired the Miner County American
Cancer Society Relay For Life for many years.
Survivors include five daughters: Debra (Gene) Gieselman, Olathe KS; Rhonda (Joe) Reisch, Sioux Falls, SD; Beckie (Dan) Kaufmann, Sioux Falls SD; Teresa (Bob) Poppen, Howard SD and Brenda (Bernard) Donahue of Fedora, SD. 14 Grandchildren: Lisa (Brian) Mansfield, Kevin (Tina) Gieselman, Angie (Joel) Binfet, Travis (Janel) Reisch, Jason (Molly McKibben) Reisch, Ben (Molly) Kaufmann, Brian Kaufmann, Kristen (Daniel) Mack, Cody (McKenna Rudebusch) Poppen, Katie (Josh) Crisp, Karisa (Tyler) Polzen, Alisha (Bradyn) Neises, Miranda (Jacob) Bender, and Evan (Sydney) Donahue. 28 great grandchildren with 2 more babies expected this fall.
Brother Dean Noble, Brother-in-law Boyd (MarJean) VanScharrel, Brother-in-law Ron (Barb) Timperley.
Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, brother Merlyn Noble, and sisters-in-law Karen Timperley and Marlys Noble.
There isn't enough time or words to describe the love Ruby poured into this world. She was a true disciple of God and shared her faith. Ruby was genuinely kind, loving, patient and caring to everyone. Her greatest love was her family. She was very proud and loved each one of them. Her love extended to everyone she met. Ruby's hugs were unlimited; her door was always open and a space at her table welcomed everyone.
Ruby always told her daughters and grandchildren to "keep the faith".
The funeral service will be livestreamed on the church Facebook page.
www.willoughbyfh.com
Services
Visitation
Sunday
July 27, 2025
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Beach United Methodist Church
205 N Pleasant Ave
Howard, South Dakota 57349
Funeral Service
Monday
July 28, 2025
10:30 AM
Beach United Methodist Church
205 N Pleasant Ave
Howard, South Dakota 57349
Interment following funeral service
Monday
July 28, 2025
Graceland Cemetery
S Section Line
Howard, South Dakota 57349