On Thursday morning, 2nd of April, the rain poured down here in Tasmania and our lives changed forever.
Our beautiful Ruby passed away peacefully, her daughter Margie at her side.
I, like so many others, are going to sorely miss our visits, cuppas and chats. (And lets be honest – the sponge cakes!)
Not all of us get a second chance at a new grandparent with the grand addition of extra family.
Margie and Ruby enveloped Jeff and myself effortlessly into their lives with so much love and laughter.
We have been so lucky.
Ruby was an amazing 103 years old! Towards the end she was still pretty sharp, albeit a little forgetful. She liked to inform me each time I dropped in that “I’m getting real good at sitting here doing nothing! I can’t ever believe it!!”
Ruby in the garden was such a familiar sight! She was so proud of being able to grow her own food for so many years! “As long as you’ve got a bit of dirt…”
Walking sticks were optional. Umbrellas, brooms, long handled gardening tools were often used instead: “Make use of what you have”
This photo makes me smile. I was busy swanning about after my big garlic harvest all proud of their large size and Ruby goes “Here’s one of my garlic bulbs!” Wow.
She taught me so much in the garden – it was great to have someone to talk veggies and planting with and get ideas and enthusiasm… she had enthusiasm to spare!!!
I loved catching her working in the garden. Sometimes she’d be doing something a plus 100 year old person most definitely SHOULDN’T be doing, and she’d chuckle unrepentantly and often let me take over said task.
Queen of the hothouse! She was as proud as punch of her tomatoes that season!!
I loved her milk crate gardening seats! She reckoned she could weed for ages sitting on one of those! Nice and easy to move around too!
To me this was just a classic Ruby image.
Birthday presents started taking on an unusual form… a trailer load of compost rather than a ribbon wrapped present!
If I manage to get to these advanced years, I would LOVE to be this photogenic!
I’ve spent a lot of time sifting through countless photos in the last few days, marvelling at how wonderfully natural and engaging that Ruby looks in all my photos!!
Ruby was so willing to pose for my endless photos – and took it all in good stride the day I wanted her to play dress-ups and empty one of her cupboards so I could get a realistic image of ‘Old Mother Hubbard’ !!
Dropping in for a cuppa – practically a cultural institution in itself!
“Put the kettle on”
Usually a home made bikkie or a slice of cake was on offer!
Over the years I have added some fabulous dishes or sauces to my cooking repertoire – her famous diary cookbook, stuffed full of amazing recipes.
And we are counting ourselves blessed to have partaken in a few amazing roast turkey Christmas Dinners where you could float into he house from the front gate on the delicious aromas!
Ruby was best known for many years for her formidable nursing skills. She called herself a ‘bush nurse’ and pretty much did the work of a doctor… not to mention instructing the doctors themselves what to do when they came into her domain!
It was fascinating listening to stories of times gone by and what the nurses had to do – in stark contrast in many ways to now. (I struggle to see Jeff sitting at a sewing maching making pretty tray covers for the new mothers for instance)
Different times, different needs. If they saw a need, they got onto it. In war time things were scarce, manpower was scarce and they did the best they could with what they had!
Jeff had a special bond with Ruby with his nursing. Often they’d sit for their nursing confabs while Margie and I would mosey up into the garden and leave them too it.
She’d always greet Jeff with a “How you going fella?”
I think he delighted her one day by needing her blood pressure cuff – she soon sorted him out!!
Ruby didn’t want to sit and let things happen. She wanted to help, to be involved and to be active.
Despite being almost blind, she kept knitting right up until near the end. She would have a few projects on the go so if she suspected a mistake, she’d put that one aside and pick up the next one.
Margie would fix things in the morning when needed!
Ruby really encouraged me with the knitting and crochet. Margie fine tuned my nearly non existent crochet skills and between them I embraced a new hobby (That still has my mother laughing)(I was so not the knitting type haha)
The portrait above is one of my very favourites.
Ruby was laid to rest today. Yes – on Tuesday!
Tasmania put on the most glorious weather. It was so perfect.
Amid the global pandemic, only 10 people were allowed to be there. I was absolutely honoured to be there in the sunshine with my extended family to bid Ruby my final farewell.
There were tears, there were stories, there were plenty of chuckles too.
The service was beautiful.
It was the oddest feeling to not exchange badly needed hugs, or head back with Margie to have endless cups of tea/coffee food and reminiscing. Such are the current rules and laws.
Of course, we plan for a future fabulous celebration of Ruby’s life when the world is a little less upside down!
It has been wonderful to be able to share snippets of Ruby’s life and garden with you all. I know you will feel sad to hear this news, but glad to have gotten the chance to ‘meet’ her across the vast distances of this Earth that can be made so small via the modern connections we have.
So next time you have a cuppa and a slice of sponge cake, lift your cup and remember Ruby xx
PS – We couldn’t help but think with today’s weather, this is where Ruby would have been – Make do with What you Have. xxx
Lisa, I’m so sorry to hear of Ruby’s passing. I’m sitting here in Oregon crying for a woman that I only knew via your blog feeling sad for you and her family. Thank you so much for sharing Ruby with us. I’ll miss her beautiful face and hearing you tell her stories.
Thank-you so much for your thoughts and words Julie. Its so lovely that she touched the lives of so many people even beyond her beloved Tasmania. xxx
The world truly lost a treasure. Thank you for sharing her with us. Because of you she was a wonderful part of all our lives. Your tribute in pictures and memories was so touching, I had never seen the old mother hubbard one! And you’re right, she was beautifully photogenic! She will be greatly missed, but not forgotten. What a life!
Thanks so much Samantha! Lovely thoughts and words!! We will all miss her very much but as you say… never forgotten! Too much of an impact for so many reasons xxx
This is exactly how your sweet Ruby wanted to move on. She didn’t want the fanfare of long goodbyes; just exit quietly. A true lady.
Thank-you Mimi! 🙂 She did sometimes make a fuss about not wanting a fuss haha. She was a wonderful lady to be sure!! xx
Thank you so much for sharing Ruby with us over the years. We got to peek at a wee bit of her wit, wisdom and grace. Sing with the angels Ruby.
Thank-you for your lovely words Deb, they mean so much to us xx
It is very sad news to hear of Ruby’s passing, but it is also heart warming to know that she was able to be at home with Margie and go peacefully. Ruby Tuesday posts were some of my favorites, and I greatly appreciate you taking the time to post this montage of photos in remembrance of her. Seeing Ruby causing mischief out in the garden definitely makes me smile and chuckle. <3
Thank-you so much Lee. She was only at the hospital for a short time at the end – remarkable that a lady her age could live in her own home that long! Margie was key there, a wonderful lady and daughter in her own right!! We will all miss her like crazy but we will absolutely be swapping ‘Ruby stories’ over cuppas when the world rights itself again xx
Lisa,
I so sorry for your loss.
I just checked in on your blog the other night to see if your dear Ruby was still with us ( Oct 2019 post). She was a light and inspiration, obviously cherished by all who knew her.
Praying for comfort for your family in this time of sorrow.
Jean Jöstlein
Thank-you so much Jean for your beautiful words. We were so lucky to be included in her family! xx
Lisa, I am sorry for your profound loss. I, too, enjoyed Ruby posts! What an amazing women, who will be missed by many.
Sincerest sympathy. Janet
Thank-you so much Janet – it will be very strange to come to terms with Ruby not being at her home ready to put the kettle on and tell me a story!! xxx
Am sitting here, trying to type without mistakes through crying eyes. Am reading this while I’m already in a funk, the second hubby’s birthday without him. Thank you so much for sharing with the entire world your Ruby. Her pictures and stories have been greatly enjoyed. May you and Jeff take solace in our shared grief of a live very well lived and a life that ended.
(Hugs from across the waters) Thank-you so much for your lovely words and thoughts and I am so sad for you with your loss too. 🙁
Its hard news in a world that is struggling – although Margie and I had a little giggle saying ‘Just like Ruby to go in the middle of a pandemic! Very Nursey!’
I’ve loved having this little platform of people like yourself that have truly enjoyed me sharing Our Ruby with people from near and far. I really think she loved her bit of fame. 🙂
We were lucky to have her for so long – gained a new branch of the family and learned so much
Precious in every way
xxx
Thank you for sharing Ruby with us! I’m so sad that you have to grieve her in this time of physical isolation.
Thank-you Cecelia. I am glad you’ve enjoyed the Ruby Stories 🙂 They’ve been fun to write and she was fun to photograph.
Yes, the hardest blow is not being able to gather at this time. Hugs, tea parties, just being there with Margie and family. Things feel a bit unfinished!! There will be a proper celebration of life when the restrictions lift, thats for sure! xx
Lisa, my heart goes out to you and all of Ruby’s family. Thank you for sharing Ruby with us over the years. Blessings to you all.
Teresa in Oregon
Thank-you for your lovely words and thoughts Teresa! xxx
God bless dear Ruby; your post was lovely. Thank you for sharing her over the years.
Thank-you so much Teri… it was lovely to share Ruby’s stories and photos xx
Beautiful
Thanks Irene xxx
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. Thank you so much for sharing your beloved Aunt Ruby with us all.
Thank-you so much Judy xxx
So sorry to hear the sad news. I will miss Ruby! May she rest in peace!
Thank-you so much Dianna xx
Your post is the most loving, perfect tribute to a very special lady. Thank you for sharing with us a part of her life. She is truly a treasure. I am also, so sorry for your loss. I pray that you and your family will have peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Thank-you Renee! That was really lovely. I am so glad you enjoyed Rubys tribute. It took a while to work out how to go about it. She was so important to us all.
We look forward to getting together in the future for a huge celebration of life when we can all hug each other properly and share that cuppa!! xxx
Without knowing her that sounds like the most fitting way to celebrate her life. You will have to give us a heads up on the date so we can raise a cup to her as well. Did someone write her stories down? With your pictures and her stories would make an interesting read. My grandpa was from her era and spent 8 years in the south Pacific in the Navy during WWII. He never really talked about it but I would have really liked to get his stories, unfortunately, he passed 4 years ago.
Thank-you so much – I will certainly be keeping you posted on the late celebrations for Ruby. We really are all looking forward to that. I have a feeling there were other stories written besides the bits and pieces in the blog. I’ll check with Margie.
Thats the sad thing about some of our older generations – too hard for them to talk about those times.
I know one of my sisters got some of my Nannas stories on tape which is pretty fantastic. Sorry to hear about your grandpa – they become such a fixture and even after many years I still think ‘Gee I’d like to tell my Nanna that’ 🙂
What a loss for you & your family. I am so sorry you’re going through this right now.
I hope you will continue to occasionally do Ruby posts. I’d still love to hear stories & memories about her amazing life.
Thank-you so much Jenny – life certainly won’t be the same for us all. She was such a fixture for us! So glad you enjoyed all the stories and photos over the time we’ve been here. Maybe when the world is less upside down I can do a few bits and pieces when I can hang out with Margie again! xx
Ruby was truly amazing and I thank you for sharing her stories and photos with us through the years. May all your pictures and memories comfort you as she will not be forgotten. God bless her!
Thank-you for your lovely words and thoughts Laura! I am so glad the photos and stories I told of Ruby were so well enjoyed! She loved her bit of fame!! xx
Thank you for sharing your grief and photo tribute of Ruby, your shining gem. A precious treasure indeed. She made me smile with each glimpse into her life. Her sweet self, sometimes sharing an almost naughty grin, is what I will picture when she comes to mind. A gardener with a huge green thumb (that made us envious) and drooling over her gigantic tomato’s and robust other home grown vegetables. Sharing a cuppa with you, warm friendship, and love baked into a sweet treat are sweet memories.
Sharing in your loss, and wishing you comforting peace, in knowing a life well lived.
Thanks so much for your lovely words and thoughts Bea! She was a delight in our lives – and oh yes… that grin was most definitely naughty on more than one occasion!! 🙂 She kept us on our toes!! 🙂
Lisa- I was so saddened to hear of Ruby’s death. I’ve so enjoyed all your stories and photos of Ruby over the past years. What a remarkable woman! Aren’t you so fortunate to have been able to share in her life and learn so many wonderful skills. She truly was a treasure. We’ll all miss her.
Dear Lisa,
I am so, so sorry to hear of your loss. I so enjoyed your Tuesday Ruby posts and envied your relationship with her. I can’t imagine how much you will miss her. You composed such a lovely tribute to a lovely lady. What a remarkable life!
Karen in NE OH
Thank-you so much Karen, we appreciate your thoughts xx
Thank-you kindly Robyn for those lovely words! Ruby was amazing and its going to be hard to accept she is not there waiting to put the kettle on anymore. 🙁
So glad to have been able to share her a bit with you all xx
So beautifully written, Lisa and we enjoyed looking at all your wonderful pictures. You have a great collection of treasured memories. We will all miss Ruby.
Hugs to you. xxoo
Thank-you Judy – so glad you enjoyed it. Was so hard choosing photos out of the vast collection I’ve amassed! She was so happy to have met you both and always asked after you or would excitedly tell us when you called her! xx
Lisa, I am so sad to hear of Ruby’s passing. I always enjoyed hearing your stories of Ruby. You will have many keepsake memories of her through your pictures, her enjoyment and advice and following her footsteps. She reminds me of my grandmother, who passed just four days short of 100. My grandmother also loved to putter in her garden. She came to Canada with her husband and a young daughter and together. foraged a life on an Alberta homestead in 1929.
I always look forward to reading your blog and seeing your amazing pictures. They are a sharp contrast to what we enjoy in our community of Ardrossan, Alberta, Canada. I just enjoy all that you share. Please take care and keep safe.
Pat Sywenky
Thank-you so much for writing and sharing your thoughts Pat! Ruby really was a treasure.
How lovely your grandmother had a wonderful long life and also kept busy in a garden! We can only strive to do the same!
xxx
What a beautiful testament to a wonderful LADY I know she loved and was loved by all. Thank you for sharing her and her family with us all. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and them. Love from Georgia
Dear Linda – thank-you for your kind words and thoughts. It was lovely to share a bit of her life with you all. xxx
Thank you so much for sharing Ruby with us. I’ve enjoyed her stories. I cried through your post but she’ll always live on in the memorise of all of us thanks to you.
Thank-you for the tears and thoughts – it was a pleasure to share her with my little world xx
I read your blog every day and always loved your Ruby posts. What a classy lady! So sorry for your loss.
Thank-you so much Lynda – she is so missed. We were lucky to have her in our lives!
Lisa, that was a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. My sincere condolences.
Thank-you so much Caroline xx
Lisa,
Like your husband and Ruby, I too am a nurse. I work nights, way too many nights lately. I sat down for a moment of relaxation to catch up on your blog and Mavis’s (which by the way are always the highlights of my internet perusing). I opened your page to see Ruby’s smiling face and then read through your tribute to her with tears rolling down my face for a woman I had never met but felt like I knew through all your Ruby Tuesday posts and other clips.
I love all the shots of her in the garden, the absolutely prolific and gorgeous hydrangea, her robust tomatoes and garlic, and of course all the cuppas and sweets she had on hand waiting for visitors. To say that she had an interesting life from the stories that you have shared here doesn’t even touch the tip of the iceberg. I am so happy that you and Jeff had this special relationship with Ruby and shared her also with us, your readers, so that we were able to have a long-distance online sort of relationship as well.
You will forever more find remembrances of Ruby in the garden setting always. Sending you gentle hugs.
Tanya
Thank-you Tanya for all your lovely words and thoughts. I loved sharing bits of her life and photos with my little audience here. She thought it was a great chuckle to be ‘famous worldwide’ xxx
I’m so sad to hear of Ruby’s passing. We’re all better for the fact that she allowed you to share her with the world! Much love to those she left behind to cherish her memory. ❤️
Thank-you so much for your lovely thoughts. We will miss her terribly but so happy we could also share her fabulous smile and stories around the world! xx
I’ m so sorry to hear about Ruby’s passing. She always seemed like someone who brought a lot of light and spark to everyone around her. Thank you for sharing a bit about her amazing life with us, and I’m sending you and your family peace right now.
Thank-you so much for your lovely thoughts xx
wow Lisa this is truly a wonderful piece, the photos are incredible to see, thankyou. That day sure was gloomy, I was at work near East Wynyard beach not far from her house when Mum rang… The sky breaking and the sea blending at the horizon, the cape in fog, I cried a bunch, even in my Hi vis..! A moment passed and a memory came straight to mind and brought a teary smile, it was of a story she told me about making sunday roast from scratch and how she used to pluck chooks while she sat on that sandy beach… it seemed to be immediately relevant to remember her stories and weave her ways into mine, what a strong and inspirational woman, as are you Lisa. xxx
Thank-you Abbey for your beautiful comment and thoughts. Such a sad time for us. We were so lucky to be left with such wonderful memories! I remember the chook plucking stories!! I think she liked doing that because the feathers flew off everywhere and so didn’t have to collect them up haha
Heaps of love and hugs to you little cuz xxx