Ruby Jane Krehbiel Brewer, age 96, died Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Western Prairie Senior Living Community in Ulysses. She was born February 1, 1928, in Kingman County, Kansas, to Henry Peter Krehbiel and Emma Barbara Kaufman. She was the seventh of eight children and the first daughter. Ruby attended Cleveland Grade School and Kingman High, graduating in 1946. She attended Bethel College in North Newton for one year receiving a 30-hour teaching certificate. Ruby was offered and accepted a teaching job with the Moscow School System. She taught grades 1 and 2 for one year. Ruby met Ralph Wesley Brewer during this year. On June 6, 1948, they were married in Kingman, Kansas. Three daughters were born to this union: Sonja, Lora and Beverly.
Ralph and Ruby farmed dryland wheat and milo in Grant County. The third generation caring for the same land. Ruby drove grain trucks, ran for parts, and prepared hot lunches served in the fields. When the farm work was completed, they enjoyed many trips across the states and abroad.
She became head cook and dietician for the Moscow School District. She was a member of the Moscow Methodist Church. There she taught Sunday School classes, was a member of the United Methodist Women, participated in Bible studies, and played the piano. She was a member of the EHU and a Girl Scout leader. She enjoyed growing flowers, oil painting, needlework, wood working, reading classics and letter writing. She eventually self-published a book of her childhood experiences which she shared with family members.
They retired and moved to Ulysses. There she continued to work in her flower beds. When their health declined, they moved to Western Prairie Senior Living Community.
Survivors include her three daughters, Sonja Hathaway of Ulysses, Lora Louquet of Dodge City, and Beverly (Kent) Ainsworth of Ulysses; five grandchildren, Rob (Melissa) Louquet, Ryan Louquet, Liz Ainsworth, Jason Ainsworth, and Megan (Coy) Adams; five great-grandchildren, Cody, Will, Alli, Logan and Avery; and sister, Velma Funk of Hillsboro.Ruby is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Brewer; six brothers, two sons-in-law, Gary Hathaway and Robert Louquet, Sr., and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family will greet friends on Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Graveside service will be Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the Ulysses Cemetery with Patty Lahey officiating. Memorial contributions may be given to the donor’s choice in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.