Douglas Ruby
February 12, 2022
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Service Details
Douglas Ruby, age 51, passed away at his home on Saturday, February 12, 2022. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, he was the son of Dennis and Marsheila (Dunham) Ruby on February 19, 1970.
Doug had a passion for education and loved teaching. He taught at numerous schools including Exira, Carlisle and Indianola High School, where he retired from in 2020. He was his students’ biggest advocate, he enjoyed coaching girls basketball and was proud to have taken them to state.
Doug was a devoted member of Hope Lutheran Church, he was a Shriner, and belonged to the Iowa Genealogical Society, National Society Sons of the American Revolution. In his free time, he enjoyed learning the genealogy on both sides of his family and was currently writing a book, telling the stories of his family history.
He is lovingly survived by his sister, Debra Cowie; grandmother, Gloryne Ruby; niece, Whitney (Noah) Todd and their children, Ruby, Nicole, and Greyson; nephew, Lane (Malorie Strong) Gritts; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other loving family members.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents; grandpas, Chester Ruby, Jr. and Leland (Donna) Dunham.
Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, February 24, 2022, with funeral service following at 11:00 a.m., at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Burial will follow at Exira Cemetery.
Those planning on an expression of sympathy, please direct your memorials to the family via Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, IA 50309, attn: Doug Ruby Family.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jan E Wiedemann
03/01/2022
I did not meet Doug, but heard about his love of genealogy and teaching from my cousin, his grandmother G. Rudy. I know his passing is a loss to the Rudy family. He is at peace now.
Jim Blythe
02/24/2022
Sincere condolences to Doug's family and friends. I knew Doug first as my student teacher and then as a colleague at Indianola High School. Doug was born to be a teacher. He had a heart for his students and always saw the best in each of them. Doug was a creative and dedicated educator and a truly good and godly man. I will miss our conversations, but I know Doug is at peace with his Lord.
Paul Rogalla
02/23/2022
Our paths crossed when Douglas Ruby was a student in my 7th grade life science class. He was one of those students you loved having in class. Always ready to ask great questions.
Our paths crossed again at ISU. We had booth enrolled in a extension class. We had lunch together each day and enjoyed talking science.
Our paths crossed again at IHS. I had a work session in the high school library. Then made a drop in visit to Mr. Ruby's room. What a great smile and fun meeting his class.
Always enjoyed his strong hand shake and great smile.
Paul Rogalla
John Monroe
02/22/2022
Doug you will be missed by many educators and students, because you were a truly caring teacher. I enjoyed being your building principal, and witness your dedication and desire to be a good teacher. My prayers go out to your family and friends.
John Monroe
jena weissenburger
02/21/2022
He was one of the best. Ive had a LOT of teachers and professors in my life. He BELIEVED IN ME from the very beginning. He was an amazing advocate for all his students even if they didnt quite like how challenging his class was. My senior year he nominated me for the National Science Award. I remember feeling, he picked me? Surely, there were others who were smarter than me. I always doubted my intelligence, but he never did. I had really been looking forward to telling him when I finished my masters in nursing in May 2023.
We kept touch throughout the years and saw each other at very random places hospitals, grocery stores etc. Always had a smile on his face and love to give to strangers everywhere.
FOREVER MISSED.
Nancy Sand
02/20/2022
Too soon and so sad to say goodbye to such an exemplary teacher and outstanding human being! I knew him too briefly as a fellow Exira staff member. His bright light will be missed by so many.
Jerry Wetzel
02/20/2022
Had Doug as a student at Indianola. Outstanding student and very willing to be involved in class. Being the Indianola Girls Basketball Coach, I could tell he definitely wanted to be a Girls Basketball Coach.
China Johnson
02/20/2022
I can name all my favorite teachers that truly made a difference in my school career, and he is at the top of that list. I always told myself I would get a hold of him one of these years to tell him just how often I think about him.
Mr. Ruby showed me pure kindness when I was dealing with bullies and basic school stress. He let me cry to him and gave me candy in class. He came to my graduation party, looked at all the pictures of me as a kid, and cried. He cried. On graduation day, he gave me the biggest hug and said how proud he was of me. I cant thank Mr. Ruby enough. He was what every teacher should be.
Rick Nielsen
02/20/2022
I have such great memories of serving with Doug on the teaching staff at Exira. Such a positive guy, always having something nice to say. He was loved by his students and staff!
Tina Jensen Humlicek
02/20/2022
So sorry for your loss. Mr Ruby was a great teacher!! I enjoyed his classes!! His passion was like no other!! As a former Exira student he was one of my favorite teachers. May he RIP.
Megan Erickson Moritz
02/20/2022
Mr Ruby was such an incredible teacher and amazing person. He not only had a passion for teaching, but for trying to make the world around him better. Many of my friends and I considered Mr Ruby one of, if not the, favorite high school teacher. Sending sincerest sympathies, from a former Exira student.
Kari Murray
02/18/2022
I taught science with Doug his last 2 years at Carlisle. I remember his positivity and love for teaching. He made a great impact on many students over the years. I was sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family.
Theresa Cummings
02/18/2022
While working together at Carlisle HS, every afternoon while leaving for the day and walking past his room, I'd say 'See ya Ruby' I always got a 'see ya tomorrow' and I even sometimes got a quick hug. It's been several years since our paths have crossed. So for the sake of tradition, I'd like to say one last time 'See ya Ruby' Rest in peace
Don Harms
02/17/2022
To a true intellectual, I'll miss our conversations. I always enjoyed our interactions, first teacher-student, then as a fellow teacher at IHS, and lastly as retired friends. You will be missed.
Leah
02/17/2022
I appreciated your enthusiasm and intelligence. Thank you for being a good teacher.