Ruby Joyce Westbrook

Ruby Joyce Westbrook, ninety-two passed away on February 5, 2026. Born on February 16, in Logansport, Louisiana, Ruby had an extraordinary gift for nurturing deep, lasting friendships with those around her.

Ruby came to Flagstaff in 1958, following her husband Cecil Westbrook and worked as a domestic housekeeper. She then worked as a cook for the pizza parlor in town, head cook for Northern Arizona University (NAU) in the North and South dining halls, finally retiring while working at Central Dining Hall. After 35 years at NAU, she slowed down for a little while then started working at Coconino County Meals on Wheels where she worked for over 10 years getting the attention of the Governor of the State.

Ruby's legendary "Ruby Rolls earned her a designated day of recognition from Governor Janet Napolitano on January 15, 2010. After serving her community for 10 plus years as head cook for Coconino County Ruby finally retired for good. But she did not slow down.

Ruby's home was always filled with laughter and good food, serving as a gathering place for family and friends. Ruby's listening ear and sage advice made her a confidante to many. As a mother of six, grandmother of nine and great-grandmother of six, Ruby wove family stories into her many hours of cooking for her family, church pastors and friends.

Ruby's holiday dinners were legendary she cooked so much food it would take your appetite away momentarily until you found the one thing you could not resist. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners consisted of greens, turkey and dressing, yams, potato salad, fruit salad, raisin and carrot salad, garden salad, seven cakes (including coconut cake and pound cake) and eight pies (including pecan and sweet potato pies).

Ruby was also one of Flagstaff's premiere hair stylists, it was always laughter and good "tea" spilling on Saturday mornings. Ruby kept numerous young girls and adult women looking flawless after pressing and curling their hair, using a pressing comb and hot curlers heated on the stove. The skill Ruby had with her 'hot comb' and curlers, is one that only a few have these days.

Ruby is preceded in death by her husband Cecil Westbrook, sister Curly B. Ford, brothers D. Lee Ford, Bill Ford, and Oscar T. Ford and her parents Booker T and Mattie Ford.

Ruby is survived by her six children, Cecelia Deal (Jerry), Oscar Westbrook, Kenneth Westbrook, Mattie Harrington (Gary), Carol Westbrook, and Karen Westbrook. Grandchildren Brigit Balogun, Jerrome Deal, Jarrel Deal, Michael Westbrook, Lynzee Burgess, and Nathalia Westbrook. Great-grandchildren Calista Costello great granddaughter, Grace Berry, Sydney Deal, Jaxon Berry, Amaya Deal and Zion Balogun. Ruby also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and friends. She will truly be missed.

Visitation will be Friday, February 20, 2026 at at 10:00 a.m. followed Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church. Burail will follow at Citizens' Cemetery.

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