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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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Ruby Boswell
RUBY OPALREETUS (BOUNDS) BOSWELL
Cedar Rapids
Ruby Opalreetus (Bounds) Boswell, 67, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away in her home Jan. 24, 2018,
after a long illness, surrounded by her loving family.
Ruby was born in Poplar Bluff, Mo., on Aug. 20, 1950, to George Bounds and Joyce (Bounds) Kenoly. Ruby attended Washington High School and received her GED at Kirkwood Community College. She was employed by Quaker Oats for seven years, then received her cosmetology license from Capri and owned and operated Styles & More salon in Cedar Rapids. She was then employed at Sander Tools in Peoria, Ill., for 15 years, and retired from Nordstrom in Cedar Rapids in 2016.
Ruby was the author of the book "Stamped Stupid."
Ruby was an active volunteer in the community, working with young girls and volunteering at Mission of Hope. Ruby was best known for her commitment to having "The Old School Reunion" hosted at Van Vechten Park, Cedar Rapids.
Ruby truly loved life, singing, and dancing. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed traveling and spoiling her grandchildren. Ruby also loved "dropping in" at the casinos from time to time.
Ruby had a strong faith in God, and was a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors include her father, George W. Bounds of Cedar Rapids; mother, Joyce Kenoly of Claremore, Okla.; three children, Michelle Witham, George R. Bounds of Cedar Rapids and Rochell (James) Smith of Ames; sisters, Linda (Edward) Topinka of Cedar Rapids, Valerie Stookey of Minneapolis, Lynn Bounds of Cedar Rapids, Crystal (Gavin) Howard of Iowa City, Gwen Bounds of Indianapolis, Ind., and Cynthia Bounds of Sacramento, Calif.; brothers, George E. (Brenda) Bounds and Richard Bounds of Cedar Rapids; surrogate sister, Jacquelynn Ballew-Beets of Cedar Rapids; and eight grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and a host of cousins.
Ruby was preceded in death by her stepmother, Marilyn Bounds; and her brother, Rodney Bounds.
She was a bright and shining star that will be missed by everyone she touched!
The family is holding a celebration of Ruby's life on Monday, Jan. 29, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Lighthouse Inn, 6905 Mount Vernon Rd.
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