Ruby Thomas was born June 19, 1929 to the late Harold and Millicent Thomas in Harlem, New York.

Ruby attended the New York City Public School System. Ruby had a childhood friend named Thomas James whom was drafted into the military. Upon his return from the service, Thomas and Ruby Thomas were married on October 15, 1953. Upon this union they had 5 children, 3 sons Claude, Robert and Warren, 2 daughters, Rosemary and Regina. Ruby and Thomas were happily married for 60 years.

Ruby decided to pursue a career in healthcare. She successfully completed the Medical Surgical Technician program through her employer, Gold Water Memorial Hospital, where she worked until she retired after 37 years. She made many many friends that she still was in contact with. Upon retiring Ruby opened a small business selling artificial flower pottery any style, color, or vase that you wanted, she made it herself. The business was booming and she was doing what she loved to do.

“Rubaline” as she was known through her business kept busy doing her craft she created. This lead up to her opening her own vendor and not only did she make pottery she was selling everything from clothes, plants, bags, you name it, she sold it.

She also embraced many opportunities to travel throughout the many islands of the Caribbean and outside the states. She enjoyed going on cruises too. She always brought back souvenirs from each and every place she visited. Ruby especially loved traveling back home to Barbados, West Indies.

Amongst some of her other hobbies, she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing from patterns and babysitting. She loved baking cakes and given parties. She also was an avert bowler at Van Wyck Lanes, where she bowled on a League. She entered numerous tournaments and won an abundance of trophies that she barely had room for.

Shortly thereafter she had a stroke and became paralyzed on her right side. She couldn’t do things like before, but that didn’t stop her, because “Rubaline” still found a way to get outside even to the Flea Market to shop. She even brought her outside business inside. People started showing to shop at the house.

She was an active member of New Hope Lutheran Church until she became sick. Even then she would try to get a ride for church service.

Ruby was called to rest on August 12, 2014 after a long battle. She was preceded in death by 2 sons, Claude and Robert, also her loving husband Thomas.

She is survived by 1 sister, Hazel, 1 sister-in-law, Debbie, 1 brother-in-law Robbie, 2 sons-in-law, Wayne and James, 1 son, Warren, 2 daughters, Rosemary and Regina, 14 grandchildren Quana, Torra, Latosha, Adrienne, Hadiya, Shaquana, Shaquan, Calvin, Benjamin Jr., Mustafa (Wayne) James, Ryan Eric and Patrick, a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephew, relatives and friends.

Ruby and Thomas were well known throughout North Shore Hospital their last month. They were loved.
If Ruby could speak her voice would say, “Do not cry for me. I am at peace. God and my beloved Thomas called me home. Thomas kept saying “Come on Ruby, Come on Ruby let’s go”, and I am on my way.

Ruby loved and lived life to the fullest.

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