Ruby Lee Alexander was born April 3, 1941, in Sylvarena, Mississippi to Arleaner Turner and Bruce Hamilton. The family briefly lived in Chicago before relocating to Joliet in the late 1940’s. Ruby and her siblings, Doris Redmond, Beatrice Hamilton, Sherrel Hamilton, Ronnie Hamilton and Mayonna Hamilton all attended Joliet Public Schools.
Ruby later met Rufus Alexander Jr., they untied in matrimony on August 1, 1958. The two were married by the late J.W. Hill, former pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. There were six children born to their union.
Ruby accepted Christ, baptized, and became a lifetime member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. She actively attended services with her husband and children, as her health permitted. She loved reading her bible and sending scriptures to family and friends.
Ruby later returned to high school and received her diploma. She then continued her education and was awarded a license in both phlebotomy and a nurse’s aid. Ruby worked for over 10 years at Salem Village Nursing Home where she retired but continued to work freelance assignments in 2008.
Ruby was an excellent cook and baker. She would cook daily and loved making special holiday treats that her family looked forward to every year. She was very creative and enjoyed making crafts for fun plus decorating the house. She also had a passion for music. She looked forward to attending live concerts. Ruby was a private person but she had many friends that loved her closest friends were Ruby Tate and Lola Brown.
Ruby went home to be with the Lord on May 11, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was proceded in death by her husband, Rufus Alexander Jr.
Ruby leaves to cherish her life and continue her legacy, her children, Gary (Mercedes) Alexander, Donza Ramos, both of Joliet, IL, Pamela Alexander of Encino, CA, Janel Alexander-O’Connor of Encino, CA, Gregory Alexander and Vincent (Flordeliz) Alexander both of Joliet, IL; grandchildren, Rafael Ramos, Gary Alexander Jr., Andrew Orasco, Ashley Alexander, Mikayla Alexander, Olivia Alexander, Keirsten Shade, Erica Alexander, Jessica Alexander, and Christopher O’Connor Jr.; five great-grandchildren, Harper, Violet, Ileana, Braxton, and Brayden; siblings, Sherrel, Ronnie, and Mayonna Hamilton, nieces nephews, other relatives and friends.
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