Arlene Hendrickson Ruby, age 77, Escanaba, died Thursday morning, December 8th, 2005 at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba where she was a patient for the previous two years.

Arlene was born October 21st, 1928 in Ishpeming, MI, the daughter of John and Rose (Bengson) Bess and was raised in Ishpeming and was a 1946 graduate of the Ishpeming High School. She later married Carl Hendrickson and later they relocated to the Benton Harbor/ St. Joseph, Michigan area until returning to the Upper Peninsula, settling in Escanaba in 1966. Arlene later married George Ruby on September 28th, 1978 in Escanaba and he preceded her in death February 28th, 2000.

She was employed for F.W. Woolworth & Co. for many years in Escanaba until her retirement. Arlene was well remembered as a person who loved singing and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and also as an avid “Bridge” player. As an enthusiast of the arts, she was an active member of “Players de Noc” in Escanaba and performed in their first musical, “Music Man” in 1966 and she went on to play the lead role in “Mame” in 1969. In 1979, Arlene also played “Bloody Mary” in the musical, “South Pacific”.

In addition, to being an active member of the Bethany Lutheran Church of Escanaba and its’ church choir, she also was a member of local choral societies, and participated in many planned community concerts.

Arlene Hendrickson Ruby’s survivors include:

1 Son- Gregg (Rosemary) Hendrickson of Escanaba

1 Daughter- Lisa (R.J.) Cooper of Escanaba 

3 Step-sons: Michael (Leslie) Ruby of Westville, Indiana; Douglas (Nancy) Ruby of the U.S.N.S. Comfort; Bruce Ruby of Michigan City, Indiana

1 Step-daughter: Dona (Alden) Addington of Carbondale, ILL

2 Brothers- Don (Loretta) Bess of Fremont, WI; Loren (Jean) Bess of Iron River, MI

5 Grandchildren: Carlene Alvord, Heather Hendrickson, Heidi Beauchamp, Craig Hanson, and Cindy Beall

Numerous great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Kevin, February 21st, 1992.

Arlene Ruby’s family will receive friends on Sunday at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Services celebrating Arlene’s life will follow on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. at the Bethany Lutheran Church with Rev. Peter Andersen officiating. Luncheon will follow services in the Bethany Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will be in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery; Wells. The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the family.