1928
2016
RUBY OLVERA (nee Xenos) born August 7, 1928, passed away July 12, 2016
MOM. Anyone who has ever witnessed a devoted mother raise her children with limitless love and good guidance will know that what they saw in that woman's heart was very much alive in Ruby's heart.
She often exclaimed to us, "Look what Daddy and I started!" meaning the five lives that were born of our parents, Ray and Ruby. Five children turned into sixteen grandchildren, then progressed to seventeen great-grandchildren. As happened, her grandchildren and great grandchildren received the same quality of love as her own five, as well as the multitude of nieces and nephews that followed.
All of the kids in our large family loved Ruby. She was the Center and Matriarch. Or, the "Grande Dame" as she used to call herself.
Ruby began her life as one of five children of Hester Helen (Hicks) and George Xenos. She was baptized Greek Orthodox. At the age of five, she and her sister, Arlene, tap-danced on a stage at the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago. Ruby loved to dance all her life, and did so whenever the music was playing. She and our dad used to do a knock-your-socks-off jitterbug back in the day.
When she was fifteen, she "misrepresented" her age to work in the Chicago Stockyards. Her reasoning was unselfish; her Mom needed the money. She was smart as a whip, and quick to learn, anyway, so she landed the job.
Ruby met the love of her life, Ray Olvera, at a club where he was playing the accordion in the featured band. Ruby's friend, Gloria, told us that she walked up to Ray and announced, "I'm going to marry you!" (What a shock to our dad!) They married very young, on January 24, 1948; she was 19, and he was barely 18. Their first child was born the following November. Three daughters: Ramona Helen, Rebecca Mary, and Rhonda Gloria, were born to them within three years. In 1956, they had their first son, Raymond Michael. Last, but not least was John Ronald, born in 1959. She never hesitated for a moment to jump in and help in the raising and care of her grandchildren when the need arose.
With five kids, they had a rough time, but Ruby persevered and made her children's lives as fun and loving as she could. She took good care of her babies (belly bands for newborns so our bellybuttons were never "outties"). Ruby cooked, cleaned and nurtured children her whole life and enjoyed every minute. She was never put out by this, or felt that her life was cheated, but rather enjoyed mundane chores like washing dishes and doing laundry. She made the greatest Mexican food you ever had.
Later in life, after our dad died at a young age, she tried to find her niche in life alone, but that experience left her feeling empty. She mourned Dad until the day she died. As some believe, she is with him now and forever.
May her life be celebrated by everyone who knew what a wonderful woman she was. Her memory lives on in our hearts.
Please leave a message on this site about Ruby for us. We would love to hear your words.
Arrangements under the direction of Kenny Brothers Funeral Directors, Evergreen Park, IL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
August 7, 2017
Helen Xenos
My name is Helen Xenos. I am the daughter of Donald Xenos. I would love to get in contact with any of my family on my dad's side. My mother was Rosa Xenos nee Gonzalez. Please contact me if you can. 815 291 7516. [email protected] . Thank you. My brothers are Donald,Victor and John.
July 22, 2016
Beth Faeth
It was an honor to know Ruby, and I delighted in the way she spoke with joy about her family. I hold you all in my thoughts and prayers.
July 18, 2016
Suzy R
John & Mary Anne, I have never seen more devoted family and dedicated caregivers. You are both an inspiration. You are in my thoughts and prayers - and I am sending lots of love.
July 18, 2016
Mary Anne Olvera
It has been a lovely honor and gift to care for Ruby. Her spirit was well-known and beloved by many in her Hudson home. She will be missed by many and held in the hearts by all who knew her here. Mary Anne
July 18, 2016
John Olvera
Farewell mom. Thank you for being the most devoted loving mother that a son could have. I hope that you are playing on some sunny beach somewhere, free of pain and worry. I will miss you always.
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