Ruby Ardell Heppe

Ruby Ardell Heppe of Soquel, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, May 29, 2010. Ruby was a strong, resilient soul through her health issues and communicated to all with her radiant and beautiful smile.

Ruby was born in Hayti, South Dakota in 1934. Teaching in South Dakota, she moved to California in 1959 to complete and receive her elementary teaching credential. She met the love of her life, Robert Nelson Heppe, whom she married in 1960. They raised their family in Soquel and were always active in their children's activities. Ruby & Bob loved their church, square dancing and traveling in their 5th wheel trailer.

Ruby's career as an Elementary School Teacher spanned 50 years, teaching in the Happy Valley and Pajaro Valley School Districts, and retired from Mar Vista in Aptos. Her passion to educate young minds and her love of children was reflected in her character, soul and her beautiful human spirit.

Ruby is survived by her loving husband, Robert, of Soquel, with whom she would have celebrated 50 years of marriage on June 11, 2010; Four children - Robbin Heppe, Rene'e Robe & husband David, Robert Heppe & wife Chihoko, and Rashell Volpi; Two sisters MaryAnn Boeger of Gridley, CA and Nancy Tipton of South Dakota; Two brothers Glen Jorgenson of South Dakota and Larry Jorgenson of Wyoming; several cousins, nieces & nephews and her six beautiful granddaughters Kaitlyn, Mary, Shelby, Abigail, Jennifer & Ashley. She was preceded in death by her first born daughter Roberta; parents Lloyd & Gladys Jorgenson and a brother.

The family would like to express their appreciation to all the staff at Pacific Coast Manor for their caring and compassion given to Ruby, and her Angels' who went above and beyond to help enrich Ruby's final years. To the ladies of Cindy's Celebrations, thank you and a love and a hug.

Donations may be made to Cindy's Celebrations and to the Alzheimer's Association for continued research and to one day find a cure.

Condolences may be emailed to the family at: rahsoquel@hotmail.com.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 5th, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, 2500 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, CA. Wearing a hint of red would help us in honoring her and always remember, a smile speaks volumes to all!!