Ruby Alice Hoover, 80 of Kouts, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. She was born February 24, 1943, in Monterey, IN to the late Lester and Opal (Fisher) Hoover. Ruby graduated from Hebron High School in 1961, and later attended Purdue University North Central, where she earned her degree in education. Ruby taught at Portage Adult Education and was an employee of LaPorte Community Schools, teaching at LaCrosse School. She was also a member of Hopewell Mennonite Church in Kouts. Ruby loved to read and valued her relationships with a wide range of friends in the community. She was a nurturing caregiver who was always looking out for others. Ruby will be remembered for her kind, loving, and caring nature. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Ruby is survived by her children: Ronda (Keith) Hefner, Michael Herma, Julie (Arthur) Kerns, Stacy (Brian) Birky, Jennifer (Bobby) Estep, and Leslie (Dan) Thurman; grandchildren: Kyle (Kelly) Clougher, Courtney (Faustino) Hernandez, Kristin (Brad) Colver, Ryan (Nichole) Hefner, Amber (Josh) McConnachie, Corey (Lisa) Herma, Scott (Danielle) Herma, Nickole (Craig) Hachlica, Melissa Strehler, Travis (Chelsea) Kerns, Brockton (Kayla) Birky, Samuel Birky, Lukas Estep, Michael (Jordan) Estep, Jared (Olivia) Estep, Cody Adler, Gabriel (Taylor) Adler, and Isaac Adler; 28 great-grandchildren; sisters: Judy Brantley, Jeannie Domelle, Joyce (John) Cooper and Kay Hoover; special granddog, Bear; and many loving nieces, nephews, former students, and special friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie Birky; sisters: Bonnie (Ron) Sherman and Gladys (Robert) Villars; brothers: Kenton Hoover and Clayton Hoover; grandson, Shane Kerns; brothers-in-law: Larry Brantley and Ray Domelle; and first husband and father of her children, Ronald Herma.
A visitation will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Kosanke Funeral Home (new location), 309 S. Main St., Kouts. The funeral service will begin on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Hopewell Mennonite Church, 805 N. Main St., Kouts, with additional visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the start of the service. Memorial donations may be made to Hopewell Mennonite Church.
GUESTBOOK
Jennifer and family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers! So sorry for your loss! Ruby was an amazing lady! She will be missed! RIP Ruby! -Tonia Tucker
So sorry to hear. I knew Ruby from school. Wishing peace and comfort to the family at this difficult time. -Theresa Frame
Thinking of all of you and your extended families with a heavy heart. Ruby was a bright light that will always shine in my memories - She will be missed and forever treasured. -Bev (Scott) Welter
What a beautiful lady, inside & out. I had the pleasure of getting to know her when she subbed at Hebron Elementary. Her smile would light up the hall. Condolences to all of her family. -Susan Witt
I have no words, only tears. Tears of overwhelming sadness but also tears of joy to have known and loved Ruby as family. Love to all. -Mark and Gail Johnson
My heart sunk when I learned of Ruby’s passing. I attended Purdue with her became friends. She was such an amazing, inspirational person. I moved away in “91” and only saw her a few times after that, but never forgot her kindness to me. I know her loss will leave a huge gap in the lives of everyone close to her. R. I. P. My Friend, -Glenda Henn
With deep regret I say goodbye on Earth to Ruby and wish love and healing to all who loved her. -Peggy Meyer-Wilson (Paarlberg)
I loved your mom Ruby...she was a very kind soul. May God watch over her and all of you. -Steve Marovich
My tears won't stop today. I loved Ruby like a sister. Our school years together created a lifelong bond. Recently we had become closer spending many hours on the phone. My prayers to all that knew her for she was special and we will all miss her. Dear God hold all of those suffering the loss of Ruby close to your heart. Amen. -Diane Wilson Rhynalds
One of the sweetest souls we’ve ever known. What a beautiful family she raised. She will be missed. Sending all our love and prayers your way. So lucky are we to have know such a special lady. Love, -Steve, Nancy, Jacob and Kyle Hoover
Bless all who knew Ruby. She is missed and loved by all who knew her. She always had a kind word for those that needed one. I know I’ll miss my conversations with her. May we all keep her in our hearts, -Ted Beveridge
We did not know Ruby directly but we are pretty sure that knowing Ronda is a direct line to Ruby-kind,caring, generous, thoughtful and much more. To all in your family from all in ours, we hold you close during this time of loss and transition. -Connie Saems, Valerie Meyer and our children, Mei, Ed, Sara, Ada, and Netta.
