Claude Leroy Ruby, 93

Claude Leroy Ruby, age 93, of Waverly, Iowa, formerly of Hampstead, Maryland was born the son of Irvin and Mary (Benedict) Ruby, on July 19, 1930, on the family farm in Sydersburg, Maryland. He received his education from a county school near home and began farming with his father on the family farm shortly after.

Claude was united in marriage with Julia Ann Smith at the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manchester, Maryland. The couple made their home on Claude’s family farm, where he continued to farm. Along with harvesting several types of crops and vegetables, he also raised hogs, cattle, and sheep. Throughout the years Claude and his brother, Earl, started a produce route from their home in Maryland to Baltimore City. Claude continued to run the produce route after Earl had passed away. As he continued to farm into his later years, he also delivered furniture for a furniture store and worked at Baugher’s Fruit Market. 

Claude was a member of St. Marks Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sydersburg, where he served on church council, and held the office of President. He also cleared the snow for the church for many years.

In his spare time, he loved to deer hunt, attend livestock shows, and go crabbing with his family. He was a 4-H Leader for many years and loved to help his children and grandchildren with their 4-H projects. He was also a Swine Superintendent at the County Fair. Most of all, he loved the time spent with his entire family and visiting with friends.

On January 24, 2024, Claude passed away at Bartles Lutheran Home in Waverly, of natural causes. He is preceded in death by his wife, Julia Ann Ruby (April 14, 2005); parents, Irvin L. & Mary B. Benedict Ruby; sisters, Ethel Hunt and Margaret Grose; brother, Earl Ruby; and one sister in infancy. 

Claude is survived by his two sons, Mike (Sandy) Ruby of Greene, IA and Gary (Laurie) Ruby of Hampstead, MD; grandchildren, Wesley Ruby, Tyler Ruby, Jena (Chris) Utz, and Dylan Ruby; great-grandchildren, Paisley, Oakley, and Hadley Ruby, and Hayden Utz; brother, Walter Ruby of Hampstead, MD; and sister, Edna Zepp of Hampstead, MD. 

Visitation will be held 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2024, at Eline Funeral Home-Hampstead, 934 South Main Street, Hampstead, MD 21074.  

Funeral services will be on Saturday, February 3 at 10:00 a.m. at the Eline Funeral Home-Hampstead.  Memorials may be directed to the family of Claude Ruby.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com