Ruby Helen Spillman

Ruby Helen Spillman, 96, formerly of Nevada, passed away Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at her home in Kansas City, Mo. She died of natural causes.

Ruby was born on Jan. 1, 1916, in Nevada, to Henry Warren and Helen (Litson) Pryor. On Sept. 8, 1935, she married Edwin Wayne Spillman and resided in Nevada until moving to Lee's Summit, Mo., in 1960. They built their retirement home on Table Rock Lake in 1974 and moved to Laguna Woods, Calif., in 1983.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and Nevada daughters, Linda Louise Edmiston and Suzanne Helen Smith.

Survivors include one brother, Samuel Pryor, Kansas City, Mo.; one son, Steve Spillman, Mission Viejo, Calif.; one daughter, Judith Ann Thomson, Lake Forest, Calif.; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Ruby was raised in Nevada and was the sole surviving member of the 1934 Nevada High School graduating class. Shortly after graduating, she opened a beauty shop on the Square, and later worked at the Farm and Home. She also worked in Kansas City, Mo., for City Bond & Mortgage as well as Investors Diversified Services, and then as a real estate saleswoman in Lee's Summit and Table Rock Lake. She ended her career with a California department store.

Ruby always had a lot of energy and wanted to be up on what was new. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends and believed in democratic ideals of taking care of the poor, being responsible for yourself, and equality for all. She liked to play bridge and cook and was always there with comfort food whenever anyone needed it. No one could beat her vegetable soup, date bread, and her kitchen sink oatmeal cookies. She was always there to support people even after her passing, such as participating in the University of California's 90+ Study that will help future generations live a more productive and healthy life. She had a sweet, sweet smile that melted people.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., May 2, at Nevada's Newton Cemetery where Ruby will be laid to rest next to her husband of 52 years. The Rev. Bill Platt of Nevada's First Christian Church will officiate.

Memorials are suggested to Nevada Regional Medical Center Hospice.