Nov. 28, 1953-March 4, 2022
Ruby Jane Ison, 68, passed away unexpectedly on March 4, at Saint George Regional Hospital. Ruby was born on Nov. 28, 1953, to her parents Reuben Virchow and Janice Jaennette in Des Moines, Iowa. In August 1994, she was married to David Ison in Las Vegas, Nevada, and that was the beginning of a wonderful journey for two soulmates lasting nearly 28 years.
Ruby’s family moved to California when she was about 6, settling first in Orange County before moving to Indio, California, which became her home for over 50 years and was the scene of many of her life’s highlights.
As a kid she had an adventurous spirit, to say the least. Ruby and her sisters, particularly Rose, were always up for fun times and life was far from dull for them as kids. She used to tell of the time when several of her friends decided they wanted to go to a concert about 70 miles from home. As none of them had cars, they decided to hop a freight train as it went through town, but unfortunately, they never made it to the concert. Having struck out, they tried to hop a train home but that did not work out so she had to call her parents. Needless to say, that was an awkward ride home for her.
Her free spirit drew people to her, many relationships lasting over 50 years. The “girls” often got together and enjoyed a close relationship that included girls’ nights out, long phone calls and a deep love for each other.
As a young woman, Ruby started her own cleaning business and acquired many clients because of her honesty and dedication. After her marriage to Dave, they began a 10-year journey that took them to: Napa, California; Belfair, Wasington; and Eugene, Oregon. During their time in these communities, they worked as a team to create a safe place for kids at various Boys & Girls Clubs.
Ruby’s love for children was obvious from day one and she had an impact on hundreds of kids as many of them remained in contact with her through the years. Her passion became teaching others of the dangers of domestic violence. Through her efforts, she received several national and regional awards for her program “Hands Are Not For Hitting.”
In 2004, the two returned to Indio due to a career change for Dave. Prior to her retirement in 2010, she worked for several youth organizations including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley, Big Brother Big Sisters and United Cerebral Palsy.
While working for the local United Cerebral Palsy agency, she started the first all Down Syndrome Girl Scout troop in California. She loved working with the girls and mainstreaming them into all aspects of the community. Whether it was learning how to create ceramic art pieces, making oatmeal cookies for the local horse rescue herd, or involving them in community activities, Ruby made sure that “her” girls were active and enjoyed new experiences.
After moving to Saint George in 2018, she began to explore her artistic side thanks to our neighbor Josie. She became a prolific “rock” painter and won several ribbons each year at the Washington County Fair for her artwork.
Ruby was a lifelong member of Jehovah’s Witnesses and recently joined the local Snow Canyon Congregation. She enjoyed reading the Bible, serving the congregations she attended over the years and witnessing to others.
Ruby is survived by her husband Dave, daughter Shannon Mirelez of Englewood, Colorado; son Jonathon Haddox of Saint George; son Jim (Shila) of Haslet, Texas; grandchildren Madison (Javier), Morgon, Emerson, Sydney, Delaney, Maclain and Kinley, and great grandchildren Perseus, Persephone and Prometheus. In addition, she is survived by sisters Rose Maust (Doug), Cathy Sackett, Julia Leverich and brothers Roy Virchow and Ed Gifford (Theresa).
Ruby is preceded in death by her parents and sisters Vicki Tracy and Ruth Ann Virchow.
Plans are being finalized for a Celebration of Life via Zoom in April and an additional in-person Celebration in November in Indio, California.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley in Ruby’s name.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff of Saint George Regional Hospital and in particular, the Cardiac and ICU nurses and doctors. Their love and care for Ruby and the family is most appreciated.
She fought the good fight and will be missed by many. We love you.
Arrangements are under the care of Pine View Mortuary, 435-986-4222. Visit the Pine View Mortuary website for full obituary and funeral service listing.