Ruby L. Wilkinson

1919 - 2012

Ruby L. Wilkinson, 93, of Henderson, passed away Friday, Aug. 3, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Care Center after a brief illness. Ruby Leona Wilkinson was born April 1, 1919 near Griswold, the daughter of Carlos and Alice (Page) Pierson. She graduated from Oakland High School in 1936 and taught country school until her marriage to Judson Wilkinson on July 19, 1940 in Glenwood. They lived many years in the Emerson area later moving to Henderson in 1965. Ruby attended the Henderson United Methodist Church was the treasurer of the UMW. She was also a member of the Golden Girls Club and volunteered at Nishna Valley Schools for many years. Ruby enjoyed hand work including quilting, sewing, embroidery, and crocheting. She enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, bowling, and watching professional golf. Ruby's family was the most important thing to her and she insisted on always hosting the annual Christmas gathering at her home. A milestone in Ruby's life was when she learned to drive after her husband, Judson, passed away in 1983.
Ruby was also preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Floyd, Gerald, Lyle, and Don Pierson; Dorothy Welton, Ruth Nelson, and Pearl Shukis.
Survivors include her children: Roger Wilkinson and wife Kay of Covina, Calif.; Robert Wilkinson and wife Maxine of Emerson; Ronald Wilkinson and wife Linda of Red Oak; Randy Wilkinson and wife Tanya of Aurelia, Iowa; and Ronda Kohrs and husband Brian of Kansas City, Mo.; grandchildren: Todd Wilkinson and wife Kirsten of Portland, Oregon; Jennifer Alexander and husband Bill of Monterey, Calif.; Toni Wilkinson of Covina, Calif.; Penny Dennis and husband Peter of Omaha; Tracy Luke and husband Charles of Ida Grove; Timothy Wilkinson and wife Ronda of Red Oak; Tebra Reynolds and fiancé: Kurt Haupert of Griswold; Jacob Hallcock of Red Oak; April McAlpine and husband Larry of Treynor; Jill Speicher and husband Andrew of Overland Park, Kan.; Ryan Wilkinson of Enid, Okla.; Lisa Hollan and husband Steve of Kalona, Iowa; Jacob Kohrs of Kansas City, Mo.; and Jessica Kohrs of Denver; great-grandchildren: Ella and Emery Wilkinson; Katelyn, Bailey, Lauren, and Jake Dennis; Cory and Corbyn Luke; Blake, Shania, Beau, and Sean Wilkinson; Keyla Reynolds; Hadley and Truett Speicher; Lauren and Quinn Hollan; Jovie Kohrs; Faith Peterson and husband Joel; Riley McAlpine; and Samuel McAlpine; great-great-granddaughter: Mae Peterson; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 6, 2012 at the Henderson United Methodist Church. Burial followed in the Farm Creek Cemetery at Henderson. Visitation with the family took place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012 at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Henderson Library at the Henderson Community Center.
Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel, Red Oak, Iowa was in charge of arrangements.