Ruby V. Mathews

Ruby V. Mathews Obituary

On the first day of autumn, the world lost one of its most resilient humans. Having lived well and loved deeply, Ruby Veronica Rose Mathews left us all with a greater understanding of love and living as Jesus would have us live.

Born the seventh child of Clayton and Kathryn (Malchaski) Hammond, she grew up on a dairy farm in Taylor, Wisconsin. After graduating from Taylor High School, she attended technical college in Winona, Minnesota where she earned her licensed practical nurse degree. She practiced compassionate nursing care at Black River Falls Memorial, St. Vincent’s and Bellin hospitals in Green Bay for more than 30 years.

On September 30, 1967, Ken Mathews took the love of his life, Ruby Hammond, to be his bride, sharing their example of a wonderful marriage to all who knew them.

Ruby’s survivors are her daughter, Kimberly, her son-in-law, Brian, and only precious grandchild, Paige Langan. Siblings: David (Carol), Donna, Ken (Marie), Troy (Bette), Judy (Dennis), John (Cyndi), Carol (Nick), Sandy (Gene), and Diane (John); sisters-in-law: Vicky (Dave), Bonnie (Stan) and Betty, 111 nieces and nephews, and just as many cherished friends.

In addition to her parents and beloved husband, she is preceded in death by her in-laws, Ken and Beulah Mathews, brothers, Earl and Gordon, and brother-in-law, John Hunsley.

Ruby’s family would like to thank DaVita Fox River Valley, Ravikiran Reddy M.D., Daniel DeGroot M.D., and Kayla Gunns A.P.N.P. for the excellent care given during Ruby’s struggle for health over the past 23 years.

Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave., De Pere, on Friday, October 7th, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm with prayer directly following. On October 8th, visitation begins at Nativity of Our Lord Parish, 2270 S. Oneida Street, Green Bay, at 9:30am to be followed by the Mass of Resurrection at 11:00am. Fr. Matt Simonar will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Joyce Meyers Ministry and Old Glory Honor Flight in Ruby’s name.

Ruby loved many things– nature, Door County, sending cards, and her life in Green Bay, but nothing topped her love for her granddaughter Paige. Each day, Ruby left a loving message for Paige before school, saying, “Be kind and respectful to everyone. Grandma loves you.” Paige has a heart-full of memories to cherish always.