Ruby Gates Parshley

Ruby Race Gates Parshley, of Lakeland, Florida passed away peacefully on March 18, 2023.Ruby was born on Feb 4th, 1931 to William and Ruth Noble Race in Pierrepont, NY. She attended Canton High School and graduated from St Lawrence School of Nursing.On Feb 10th, 1951 Ruby married Gilbert F Gates of Gouverneur, NY. Following Gil's career with General Electric Company, they lived in Alabama, California and Oregon until returning to central NY to raise their children on Peterboro Road in Munnsville. Ruby worked as an RN for hospitals in Gouverneur, Syracuse, and Oneida. She was a caring and devoted Nurse for the Madison County Public Health Dept from which she retired.Gil and Ruby lived a number of years in Solon, Maine, where Gil worked until his retirement from GE. There she became a member of the Lions Club, and collected medical supplies free to anyone in need. She worked diligently on her home to prepare it for use as a bed and breakfast, calling it "Mainely Ruby's". Ruby was a volunteer and supported the neighborhood wherever she lived. She was a Girl Scout Leader, shuffled car loads of kids to the local swimming hole or bowling alley, and flooded the side yard for ice skating. She was a good friend, neighborhood nurse, and was willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. She was an active member of the Oneida Elk's Auxiliary. Ruby was a gardener, golfer and bowled in a league at City Lanes for years. Ruby loved to "treasure hunt" and enjoyed poking around antique shops, garage sales and auctions. Her camera at hand, she recorded family, friends, events and adventures down the road less traveled. She attended the Methodist churches of Bennetts Corners, Vernon, Kendrew, Edwards, and Lakeland, Fl.Ruby and Gil were married for 52 years until Gil's passing in 2003. Together they raised four children, Deb Roher (Alan), Kathy Malinowski (Matt), Patty Gates (Steve Brown), and Mike (JoAnn Vanderwerken). She leaves behind grandchildren Gilienne Roher, Paul and Eric Malinowski, Alison Brown Eccleston, Samantha Brown, and Andrew and Grace Gates. Ruby also leaves three great granddaughters, Elaina, Ava Rose, Matilda, and many nieces and nephews.On January 15th, 2005 Ruby married Dean Parshley in Vernon, NY and enjoyed 18 years of love and friendship. Together they traveled the country in their RV, went on an Alaskan cruise and a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Ruby loved her summers at Trout Lake where she and Dean were visited often by friends and family including Dean's three children Jeanie Liddell (Dave), Lee (Crystal), and Dan (Brandy), and grandchildren Sabria, Gavin, Brendon, Aubrey, Noah and Bryson.Ruby is survived by her sister, Ilene Friot (Harold) of Marcy, NY, and brother Gilbert Race (Shirley) of Rensselaer Falls, NY. She was predeceased by brothers John Harlan Race (Rose), Emerson "Mike" Race (Barb), and sister Sharon Parshley.A celebration of Ruby's incredible life is planned by her family sometime this summer. https://www.lastingmemories.com/ruby-louise-race-gates-parshley