Ruby Jackson

When her Lord and Savior came calling on the morning of August 23, 2024, Roberta Ruby Lee Jackson willingly took Him by the hand to her heavenly home. Ruby was born on August 6, 1934, to Hugo and Rosiele Plagens on her grandparents’ cotton farm in rural Fayette County, Texas. As a child, she was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith, an unwavering faith that served as the foundation and cornerstone of her life’s purpose and passion, helping others. And just like her namesake, Ruby was a beautiful, precious gem.

When Ruby was nine years old, her dad abandoned farming and moved her family to Houston. She graduated from John H. Reagan High School in 1952, after which she went to work as a secretary at Houston Lighting and Power company. By 1963, she had advanced to executive secretary, working for several oil and gas companies. Ruby thrived in these positions; the world travel that came with the jobs suited her well. In the early 1950s, Ruby fell in love with and married Earl Gruener; together they welcomed three sons, Michael, John and Richard. Ruby’s boys were her biggest blessing; after her marriage ended, she raised them all by herself in Spring Branch on the west side of Houston. Ruby found love again in the late 1970s with Bobby
Ward Jackson, married him in the summer of 1980, and then moved to New Mexico, where they lived for many years.

A few of her favorite things out west included shopping in Old Town Albuquerque (oh, how Ruby loved to shop!), hosting guests for the International Balloon Fiesta, and traveling to Santa Fe. It was during this time that Ruby, who always had a flair for fashion, started Designs by Ruby. Her creative, artistic side delighted in personalizing her jewelry for family and friends; her vivacious, social side savored every opportunity to showcase and sell those fancy necklaces, bracelets and earrings at craft fairs and church bazaars. And though they treasured their time in the Land of Enchantment with Bob’s family and their dear friends, the couple returned home to Texas to an elegant home in League City.

Ruby thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie and connection that she shared with her Sorority sisters from Beta Sigma Phi. Not only was she grateful and honored to serve alongside them, but she was so proud to be crowned as their Sweetheart on several occasions. She was also very active with the Welcome Neighbors organization in her Mar Bella community.

Ruby is survived by her husband, Bobby, and her beloved children, Michael and Michele Gruener, John and Barbara Gruener, and Nancy Gruener, and Bob’s children, Lee and Sandy and Rex and Julia, a niece and a nephew and their families, seven cherished grandchildren and four great grandchildren with a fifth on the way. She is preceded in death by her son Richard, her stepson Jay, her nephew Steven, her sisters Annie Mae and Rose Marie, and her parents.

At Ruby’s request, a rosary followed by a full mass will be held at St. Mary of the Expectation Catholic Church, 1612 E. Walker Street, League City, Texas on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 12:00pm. The family thanks our friends at Magnolia Hospice as well as Joyce and David Rhoades at the Chester House for helping make Ruby’s last few days here with us so comfortable through their loving kindness and compassionate care.