Ruth M. Dube

Ruth Mabada Dube, born on November 24, 1936, knew she wanted to be a nurse from a very young age. As a child, she gave "enemas" to chicks alongside her little brother and partner in crime, Noel. What began as play soon became purpose – Ruth was an outstanding student at Gwakwe, where she began her elementary schooling, and later at Mtshabezi and Matopo Mission schools. So committed was she to her studies that she often remained at school during the holidays, working to help pay her fees. "We didn't see her that much as kids, she was always at school," recalls her surviving brother, Elton.

That singular dedication bore fruit. Ruth later became part of the first generation of Zimbabwean nurses trained in neighboring South Africa. She passed her Junior Certificate examination in 1954, entered the McCord Zulu Hospital Training School for African Nurses in 1957, and qualified as a general nurse with the South African Nursing Council in 1959, and later earned her midwifery certification in Zimbabwe. On her return home she worked briefly at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo before leaving to advance her career at Tshoma Hospital in Zambia. In 1961, she married Dr. Thomas Dube.

Early in the decade, the Dubes moved to the United Kingdom, where Ruth gave birth to her children, Ian Dube in 1963, and Tina Dube in 1967. The family eventually relocated to the United States, first to New York, then Pennsylvania, and finally settled in Kalamazoo, Michigan. There, Ruth built a robust and eclectic career in healthcare. She earned a Master's degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University, worked as a nurse at Borgess Hospital, provided counseling services for Bronson Hospital and the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company, offered private nursing care. Her last formal employment was at a local outpatient surgery center in downtown Kalamazoo.

A woman with a heart the size of a continent, Ruth was a foster mother to a number of American children, and opened her home to the African community in Kalamazoo, who lovingly called her Mama Dube or Mama Africa for her famed generosity and warmth. Many remember her legendary parties and the way her home became a haven. That haven changed lives – from nieces and nephews to adopted immigrant kin, countless young people found in Ruth both a steadfast support system and a pathway to their own dreams in a foreign land where some of them did not always have immediate family. "None of us would be where we are without Aunt Ruth," said one adopted nephew, now a businessman. It is no exaggeration: Ruth was a force of nature. She changed lives, she made many more possible.

In retirement, the irreplaceable daughter of Elizabeth Moyo and Mabada Salile Nkala delighted in caring for her grandchildren, who remember her gentleness, her love of music and dance, and her steady, wise counsel. She loved gardening, knitting, cooking, reading, shopping, western movies, and political shows. A beautiful woman and free spirit, she was a makeup specialist and did catalogue modeling for stores like Catherines and Dress Barn – tholukuthi the pictures don't lie, it's true.

In 2018, Ruth left her beloved Kalamazoo for Maryland, spending her final years with her daughter Tina and traveling often to her homeland of Zimbabwe. Wherever she was, people gathered-there was laughter, dancing, inspiration for the young. Even in her later years, she continued to uplift others, supporting and encouraging the young in the pursuit of their dreams just as she had done for so many before – she did not stop helping those who needed it even as it often meant sacrificing. In a word, she was ineffable.

Our dear Ruth was predeceased by her beloved son, Cengubuqotho Ian Dube in 2016. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Tina and Za; her siblings, Elton Maphosa, Mildred Maphosa, and Elas Macebo; hordes of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, relatives too numerous to count, enough friends and chosen family to fill many villages. And in our hearts, she leaves a love wider than the sky, a gratitude deeper than the ocean, and an awe we will carry forever.

Hamba kahle our dearest Ruth,

hamba kahle our precious dancing queen,

hamba kahle Magobodela ka Ndlala!