SHUPE, Ruby E.

Ruby Emma Shupe, age 87, of Portage, MI took her place alongside our Savior in heaven on January 18, 2022. Ruby was born April 15, 1934 in Kalamazoo, MI to Samuel and Viola (Slesdet) Adams. She was one of six children. Ruby is survived by her daughters, Carol (John) Stears and Karen (Steve) Tembreull; granddaughters, Emma (Dustin) Lindemann and Abigail Tembruell; great-grandchildren, Ayden Mackey and Emmett Lindemann and brother, Sam (MaryAnn) Adams. Besides her parents, Ruby is preceded in death by her son, William “Bill” Shupe; former husband, Richard “Dick” Shupe; brother, Charles (Norma) Adams and sisters, Mary Jackson, Norma VanFleet and Violet (Doug) Jackson.

In her early years, she worked as a mother’s helper and at the Upjohn Company, where she met and married, Richard “Dick” Shupe. They went on to have three children: William “Bill”, Carol, and Karen; and resided together in Portage, MI. While her children were young, Ruby was a homemaker and stay at home mother. She also helped with bookkeeping for her sister and brother-in-law’s business, Jackson Tire Company. Later, she established a long career as a secretary at Bradley and Bradley Insurance, where she had “office grandchildren” that she adored.

Ruby found a creative outlet in ceramics, sewing and knitting as hobbies. Her cozy home was always adorned with owls, crocheted afghans and doilies made by her dear Aunt Eva. Throughout her life, Ruby thoroughly enjoyed traveling, reading, watching movies, birdwatching, and listening to country music. In 2003, Ruby moved to L’Anse, MI to live near Karen’s family. While living there, she enjoyed watching her two granddaughters figure skate and liked to treat them out to the local ice cream stand.

Ruby was a person of faith; she loved her family and was a friend to many.

A funeral service will be held at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home on Friday, January 28, 2021 at 1:00 PM with Pastor Ray Brandon officiating. A time of visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, beginning at 12:00 PM. The family kindly requests that attendees wear masks and following social distancing guidelines. Private interment will be at Portage Central Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Centrica Care Navigators Hospice or a charity of one’s choice.