Friday, June 14, 2013

Happy Flag Day, Grandma Ruby


Ross' grandmother, Ruby Simmons, was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1902. She passed away on July 12, 2007, at the age of 105. “Grandma Ruby,” was how she was known by everyone. For her, longevity was not happenstance. In her century of life, she exuded that warm, kind, giving, friendliness to all, and optimism in all things, that we believe God felt deserving of additional time here on earth, not for her so much as for us to learn from. As she used to recite from her favorite poem, “I’m drinking from my saucer, ‘cause my cup has overflowed.” Although she has left us, her home is in our heart.

Annually, Grandma would mischievously observe that it was flattering that the community would commemorate her birthday by displaying their United States Flags...it being Flag Day and all. Too, ironically, Ross’ first public speech was at the age of 14, when Grandma Ruby (being a young 75 at the time) asked him to speak on Flag Etiquette to the Imperial Valley Republican Women’s Club. Therein lies our tribute. Ross and Hunter have created this page as their ongoing tribute to Grandma Ruby, who was a patriot, a pioneer, and a role model to those who had the privilege of meeting her, all of whom she held dear. We write for the community, and in memory of her.