Ruby Bernice Reeves

Ruby “the Jewel” Bernice Reeves, 94, of Cottonwood, Arizona, lifted in love to her life eternal on February 1, 2023. She was born August 6, 1928, to Floyd Samuel and Elsie May Benson, in Abington, Illinois. Ruby knew early on how precious family is and the gift of giving. Helping her mom in the baking business, caring for her 11 siblings, and the responsibility of living on a farm. Enjoying everything about it, “ok maybe not everything”, she would say with a twinkle. She would laugh as she would talk about her siblings running across the freshly mopped floors, yelling, and chasing them until they were all laughing and chasing each other. Reading was her favorite pastime, and she would spend hours at the library or hiding in a large closet for privacy. At Joliet Central she was in the drama club, glee club, college prep classes, served as class treasurer, school reporter and treasurer, yearbook staff, dedication treasurer, and monitor. She enjoyed fishing with her dad, however they mostly read or talked, and hardly brought fish home. She also enjoyed alone time with her mom, eating bit-o-honey candy after everyone was asleep. It was one of her sweetest memories. Ruby worked in a soda shop, where she met David Richard Reeves. After leading him to Christ, she accepted his proposal with the stipulation that they would wait until after graduation. They were married in June 1948 (one day after graduation). After 67 loving years, David went to heaven. Ruby “the Jewel” as he affectionately called her, missed him for 8 more years. Now they are reunited for eternity in perfect health. Ruby kept herself busy baking, sewing, crocheting, crafting, teaching painting, traveling, working on genealogy, planning, and attending luncheons, parties and volunteering. She was the president of the PTA, a high school choir mom, served in the band association, Sunday School teacher, deaconess, Pioneer Girl leader, Awana secretary/leader, camp counselor/ cook, and she helped in an orphanage in Mexico. Most of all she loved and cared for her children. Very proud of them and expressing it often. She enjoyed many activities with her great and great grandkids. Her giving heart, listening ears, hands to fix toys and hurts, arms to hold, and a mouth to pray and say, “It will be ok, you’re loved”. A woman with grace and beauty, a blessing for all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her loving husband David Richard Reeves; her parents, Floyd and Elsie Benson; in laws David and Wanita Reeves; daughter Joanie; great granddaughter Autumn Whitmer; son-in-law Jerry Whitmer; 3 sisters; 6 sisters-in-law, 4 brothers; and 6 brothers-in-law. She is survived by her children June Whitmer, David Reeves, Jr. (Karen), Robin Foth (Tony), and Holly Rodriguez (Rudy); 17 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren; 3 sisters, 1 brother, 1 brother-in-law, 3 sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. A visual celebration of life and burial will be determined. Please consider a donation in Ruby’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association “research”. May her memory help create a cure. The family appreciates Maggie’s Hospice, the Sisterhood Connection Foundation, and your prayers.