Ruby M. Styles

Ruby M. Styles, 96

East Greenbush Ruby M. Styles, 96, of Evergreen Commons, peacefully passed away October 10th. Ruby was born in Barrow in Furness, England to William and Sarah Jane Thompson. She was the youngest and only daughter of 5 children.

Ruby survived 2 World Wars and the Depression. She was a kindergarten teacher in Leeds, England for 19 years.

In 1964 she immigrated to America to Troy to be close to her daughter's family and grandchild. She became a permanent resident and only returned to England for family visits.

In 1965 Ruby briefly worked at the Jewish Community Center with preschoolers. In 1966 she was employed at Vanderheyden Hall working with underprivileged teenage girls. In 1967 she found her way to Emma Willard Children's School then became a House Mother which she absolutely loved. She retired in 1981.

She was a talented pianist and dancer having entertained in the roaring 20's and shared her many talents with students at Emma Willard.

Ruby became part of the congregation of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Troy making many dear friends and involving herself in many activities.

For years she was the pianist for Uncle Sam's Performers Choral Group entertaining at many Troy nursing homes and other functions.

In 1988 she was the pianist and choreographer for a production of "Give My Regard to Broadway" at the Collar City Community Theater.

Ruby resided at the Caldwell apartments then moved to Canterbury House for 6 years prior to moving to Evergreen Commons due to failing health.

She is survived by her son, David O. Styles (Iris); 3 grandchildren, Michael and Robert Styles and Helen Tubbs (Mick) and 3 great grandchildren, Harvey, Lucas and Zachary Styles all of Derby, England. She is also survived by her daughter, Elizabeth (Sandra) Cooper (Norm) of Tucson AZ and 3 more grandchildren, Eric Gundrum (Cristin) of San Jose, CA, Andrea Whitelaw (Nicholas) of Niantic, CT and Keith Freihofer (Cathleen) of Alexandria, VA and 3 more great grandchildren, Lucas and Justin Whitelaw and Aiden Boyd Gundrum.

Ruby will always be remembered for her warm smile, keen wit and love for the piano which she played throughout her life.

There will be a Memorial Service and celebration of Ruby's life at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, State and Third St., Troy on Saturday October 20th at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers a contribution can be made to Canterbury House, 36 Pawling Ave, Troy, NY 12180 or St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 58 Third St., Troy, NY 12180.

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