Ruby Louise Allen

Ruby Louise Geis Allen                 

“Reunited Again”

Our dear mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Ruby Louise Geis Allen, passed away on August 27, 2011, after a long illness.  She fought well, but finally decided it was time to go home.  Ruby was born on January 28, 1927, to Nephi Edward and Idella Gordon Geis, in Salt Lake City, UT.   She was the 3rd of 7 children.  While attending the University of Utah, Ruby met her sweetheart, Ralph K. “Al” Allen and they were married on April 24, 1946, in Salt Lake City, UT.  Ruby was a wonderful homemaker and was not afraid to roll up her sleeves and dive into a home repair or remodeling job.  She worked hard her whole life.  Ruby had a great passion for music.  She sang with the Utah Opera Chorus and was the choir director at St. Ann Parish for many years.  During the summer months, Ruby’s beautiful soprano voice often floated through the neighborhood as she sang while working around the home. 

Ruby and Al were the parents of nine children.  Mom became a master at organizing chaos.  Somehow she got us fed, scrubbed and to bed every night with expert efficiency, and was up early the next morning with new reserves of energy to start each day anew.  Mom was there for report cards, injuries, triumphs and failures.  She cheered for the underdog and always wanted better for us than she had for herself.

Ruby is survived by her children Guy (Bing), Sandy, UT, Ernie (Bobbie), West Valley, UT, Annette (Rick Williams), Salt Lake City, UT, Debbie (widow of David), Rosemount, MN, Brian (Velene), Cottonwood Heights, UT, Barry (LaDonna), Taylorsville, UT, and John, Magna, UT; 17 grandchildren; and 29 great grand children.  She is also survived by her brothers Joe and Gordon; and her sister Charlotte.  Ruby is preceded in death by her dear husband Ralph; her parents; her children Mark, David and Lori; grandson Timmy; and her sisters Mary Lou, Tess and Gloria.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 2, 2011, at 12:00 noon, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 450 East 2100 South in Salt Lake City.  A wake will be held Thursday evening, September 1, 2011, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.  Committal at the Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Salt Lake City. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions be made to St. Ann School.

The family expresses their thanks to the many friends who have offered their love and support, and to Starks Funeral Parlor for their gentle care of Ruby.