Ruby Jeanette (Houglum) Miller died peacefully in her daughter Cindy's arms, at Eventide (TCU) in Moorhead, MN on October 21, 2012.

Ruby was born on August 5, 1926 to Selmer and Pauline (Shevfland) Houglum in Perley, MN. She grew up on her family farm in rural Perley. She attended Riverside Elementary country school and graduated at Borup High School in 1944, with honors as the Salutatorian.

Ruby was united in marriage to Myron Miller at Bethania Lutheran Church in rural Perley on June 24, 1945. They were blessed with eight children, Cathy, Cindy (who had a twin sister that died at birth), two sets of identical twins: Mike and Mark, Tim and Tom, and their youngest Terry.
In 1945, they began farming south of Ada, in Winchester Township. They raised their children while living on and working the farm for over 50 years. Soon after Myron died in 1997, Ruby moved to Ada. Her brother Edward Houglum lived with her until his death in 2000.

Ruby worked as a Para at the Borup School for several years and she was a continual teacher. Ruby was intimately involved in raising some of her grandchildren all who became college graduates. Her kindness, faith, and generosity were an inspiration to all who knew her. Ruby loved to sing and performed with her local choir group "Inspirations" for many years. Whenever her children would call home in the evening, they were always told by Dad, "Oh your Mom is out 'yodeling' again."

She continued to be very involved and active in many organizations and activities. You could often find her helping out at Faith United Church in Ada, cooking or working on items for their famous "Bazaars." She had been the head of her church circle for decades until her death. Ruby was often found at the Norman County Historical Society where she shared her time, many talents, and was a current Board Member. She was an active member of the Helping Hand and Social Club, VFW Auxiliary, and helped at the Food Shelf.
Ruby was an avid gardener. Buying plants and flowers was a several week activity in the spring. Her children and neighbors were the recipients of the produce. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were always delighted to get one of her "delicious" homemade jams. She made countless afghans, crocheted doilies and started quilting at the age of 72. She left us with many memorable finished and unfinished creations.

Despite all of these activities, she always had time for family. Her seven children gave her 19 Grandchildren (ages 1 – 44) and 25 Great-Grandchildren (ages 7 months - 17 years). In addition, three more are due soon, two of these are twins, who will be born over 52 years after Ruby's last set.

Ruby is survived by her children, Cathy Nichols (Gordy), of Perham, MN; Cindy Skalsky of Battle Lake, MN; Mike (Rachelle) of West Fargo, ND; Mark (Trona) of Eden Prairie, MN; Tim (Nancy) of Moorhead, MN; Tom (Melanie) of Dilworth, MN; and Terry (Sherri) of Fairbault, MN; her brother Arvid (Jerry) of Duluth, MN; her sisters, Carol Midthune of Lake Park, MN; Betty Blevins of Lakeland, FL; Ethel(Ralph) Hest of Moorhead, MN; one sister-in-law, Lois Sahl of Tempe, AZ; and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by her constant companion "Pookie", (annoying to many) a miniature dachshund. Ruby was preceded in passing by her husband Myron; infant daughter; brother Edward; son-in-law Ed Skalsky; and brother-in-laws Dr. Andy Midthune, Wally Sahl, Kenneth Miller, Don Miller and his wife Doris.

Funeral Service: 1:00 PM Saturday, October 27, 2012, at Faith United Church, Ada.
Visitation: Friday from 5:00-7:00PM with a 6:30PM Prayer Service all at the church.
Burial: Ada City Cemetery, Ada, MN.

Memorials preferred to Faith United Church (510 W. Thorpe Ave. Ada, MN 56510) or Norman County Historical Society (1747 County Hiway 64 Ada, MN 56510)