In Loving memory of Westminster Fire Department member Robert “Bob” Ruby, 1936-2021 (age 84.)
It is with deep regret and sadness that the men and women of the Westminster Fire Engine & Hose Co. No. 1 announce the death of Robert Willis Ruby, 84, of Westminster, who died Friday, January 22, 2021, at the Carroll Hospice Dove House in Westminster. At the time of his death he was surrounded by members of his Westminster Fire Department extended family.
Born August 5, 1936, in Manchester, MD, he was the son of George W. Ruby, and Ray Louise (Kiler) Ruby. His Mom predeceased him on May 23, 1992. He and his cousin, Dorothy Townshend, were raised by Bob’s Aunt Helen Charlotte Townshend and Uncle LaMar E. Townshend, of Manchester.
He was one of nine children. Bob had five sisters: Kathileen Cartzendafner of Littlestown, Pa., Judy M. Utz of Taneytown, Helen V. Crumbie of Westminster, and M. Ruthy Cook and Phyllis Harvey, both of Dallastown; and three brothers: Carroll L. Ruby of Finksburg, George R. Ruby of Tennessee and Phillip W. Ruby of Essex.
He was the loving husband of Shirley Oursler (Beck) Ruby. Shirley and Bob were married on May 10, 1964 at Wesley Methodist Church. Shirley, an artist and a homemaker, was born March 19, 1943, in Baltimore. She was the daughter of Charles Francis and Grace Oursler Beck of Arcadia. Shirley died on October 8, 2001. After her death, Bob talked about his beloved Shirley and her accomplishments every day.
Bob graduated from Manchester High School in 1954. Bob served his community as a life member of both the Hampstead and Manchester Volunteer Fire Companies. He joined Manchester in 1955 and Hampstead in 1965.
He served overseas in the Army during the Cold War from1959 to 1961 as a Military Police Officer. After his Honorable Discharge he worked as an Information Systems Engineer in the defense industry.
After the death of his wife in 2001, and his retirement as a computer systems engineer and information analyst, he moved to Westminster in 2005 where he became an active member of the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co, No. 1 in March 2006. At Westminster he served as treasurer, and a fire police officer. He chaired fundraising activities and was a steadfast Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) data entry administrator for many years. He earned the Westminster Fire Department President’s award for his service in 2007.
Bob was a lifelong accomplished numismatist. In addition to his many awards and accolades for his work as numismatist, he served as the past Vice President and President of the Maryland State Numismatic Association from October 1984 – October 1987. He was also a past president of the Carroll County Coin Club, the Baltimore Coin Club, and the Maryland Token and Medal Society.
Bob loved to travel and was an avid fan of movies – especially westerns. He was well-known at the fire station for being a keen card player.
Surviving are son Greg D. Ruby of Baltimore; cousin Dorothy Townshend and sister-in-law Barbara Beck.
Funeral services are incomplete at this time. Arrangements are entrusted to Fletcher’s Funeral Home and Westminster Fire Department Chaplain Kevin Dayhoff. A private family and firefighter inurnment ceremony will take place at a later date. A separate firefighter memorial service will take place at a later date. Due to COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic safety precautions – there will be no visitation.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. #1, 28 John Street, Westminster, MD 21157 http://westminstervfd.org/
Online condolences may be offered to the family at the Fletcher Funeral and Cremation Services, P.A. website https://www.fletcherfuneralhome.net/ 254 East Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157. 1-410-848-7575
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) “Committed to Serve, Committed to Care”
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