Ruby Hazel Bell Manning went home to be with the Lord on Friday June 10, 2011 at the young age of 100 and just two months shy of 101.

Ruby was born in Humble, Texas on Aug. 27, 1910 to James Walker and Nola Lynn Bell. She spent her early years in Texas and at 8 moved by covered wagon to Arizona.

In Arizona she later married Stacey Lee Pash and had son Patrick. Ruby and family relocated to Las Vegas, Nev. where she stayed until 1976, when she moved up to Whidbey Island to be with son Patrick and his wife.

Ruby was a devoted mother and grandmother spending any free time that she had with her kids. She loved living on Whidbey and spent many afternoons combing Sunlight Beach for sand dollars or picking blackberries with family and friends for her amazing seedless blackberry jam. She was very active, working as the manager of Cathy’s Closet till they closed and volunteering at the Senior Center up until she gave up driving at 90. A devoted Baptist, you could always find her listening to Billy Graham or reading her Daily Bread, her relationship with the Lord was very important.

Ruby was an amazing woman, beautiful, strong and vivacious from the inside out. She lived life with zest and composure all the way to the end.

Ruby is survived by her son Patrick “PJ” Manning; granddaughter Farrah L. Manning; grandson Peter Manning and his wife Stephanie and their two children; her great-grandchildren Jacob Manning and Taylor Fifield. Ruby leaves behind countless close friends and relatives residing in California, Arizona, Nevada and Texas. Ruby was the last sibling in the Bell Family of nine.

Ruby will be missed by many, but never forgotten! There was only one Ruby Bell and to know her is to forever be touched by the most genuine of souls.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Northwest.

Come help us celebrate her life! There will be a memorial service at 4 p.m. Friday, July 8 at Christian Life Ministry, 1832 Scott Road in Freeland next to Studio A. We will have an open segment for anyone who would like to share a special story about Ruby, so please come, share, and celebrate this wonderful life. For any further details, email fairyonetoknow@yahoo.com.