Ruby Ruth Sklenar

Ruby Ruth Droescher Sklenar, the daughter of Fred Dose Droescher and Ella Elizabeth DeWalt, was born March 12, 1927, at Chadron, Nebraska and died March 26, 2011, at the Regency Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Carroll, Iowa at the age of 84 years and 14 days.
Ruby attended grade school in Chadron. In 1940, the family moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where she graduated from South High School with the Class of 1945. During high school, Ruby worked a variety of interesting jobs, including a chicken plucking factory. During World War II, she worked at the Glen L. Martin Bomber plant. After the war, she was working at Nebraska Clothing where she met her future husband, Joseph Michael Sklenar, Sr. Rubys brother Fred served in the Coast Guard with Joe. He told Joe to stop by Nebraska clothing and meet his sister when he returned to Omaha from the service. And the rest, as they say is history. While they were dating, Ruby worked for the telephone company as an Inward and Through operator.
Joe and Ruby were united in marriage on April 9, 1949, at Grace Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska. Five children were born to this union, Joseph Michael, Jr., John Mark, Jane Mari, James Merrill, and Jean Marie. After they were married they lived for a short time in Atlantic, Iowa, and then moved to Audubon, Iowa. They were owners of the Audubon County Shopping Guide, which later was renamed the Nishna Valley Tribune to reflect expanded readership spanning multiple counties. Ruby supported Joe in his roles as Audubon County Mayor for 10 years, as magistrate for 14 years and in his many social and charitable activities. Joe died February 18, 1989 at Omaha, Nebraska. He and Ruby were married for 39 years.
Ruby was a homemaker her entire married life. She enjoyed cooking and canning, sewing, shopping, knitting and playing piano. She loved to laugh, whether it was a funny story or just spending time playing cards with her sisters or having fun with family. She enjoyed playing the old gospel hymns. She also loved to travel as long as it didnt involve flying. If someone suggested a trip, she asked when she needed to be ready. But most of all, she loved her family. Ruby thought there was nothing better than rocking and singing to a grandchild.
Ruby was confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Audubon, Iowa. She was a born again Christian and enjoyed sharing her faith with her family and friends. She will be missed, but we know she is in a better place.
Preceding her in death in addition to her husband Joseph, was her son Joseph Sklenar, Jr. her parents, her siblings, John Droescher, Betty Grace Droescher, Catherine Ward, Fred Droescher, Julia Gamble, Elizabeth Droescher, and Phyllis Nees.
Ruby is survived by her children, John and wife Virlee Sklenar of Carroll, Iowa, Jane and husband James Grabill of Fort Wayne, Indiana, James and wife Tami Sklenar of Treynor, Iowa, and Jean and husband Jerry Johnson of Polk City, Iowa; her grandchildren Robert Sklenar of Iowa City, Iowa, Nicholas and Jacky Sklenar of Indianola, Iowa, and Josie and Cody Ehlers of Tampa, Florida; Cami Grabill of Fort Wayne, Christopher and Elizabeth Grabill of Misawa, Japan, and Adam Grabill of Fort Wayne, Timothy and Sarah Sklenar, Tessa Sklenar, and Tarran Sklenar all of Ames, Iowa, Taylor Sklenar of Treynor, and Mallory and Scott Odendahl of Ankeny, Iowa; her great grandsons Jackson Sklenar and Nolan Sklenar both of Indianola, Ethan Grabill of Fort Wayne; many cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorials:
The family prefers memorials to be given to the March of Dimes in honor of Ruby's great grandson Nolan. Memorials can be mailed to March of Dimes Attn: Jacky Sklenar 1611 West 5th Avenue, Indianola, Iowa 50125 or online at www.marchforbabies.com/sklenar

Cemetery:
Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon, Iowa

Visitation:
Thefamily will meet with friends on Monday, March 28, 2011,from 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa.

Service:
Funeral services will be conducted by Minister Jason Zaiger on Monday, March 28, 2011, at 2:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa.