Ruby Vick

Ruby Vick will always be remembered for her unconditional dedication to her family and her sunny personality, making the world around her a better, brighter place. She was a constant source of strength, no matter the circumstances, and exemplified what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord she loved so much. Ruby never hesitated to give of her time and talents to serve others, and nothing made her happier than spending time with her loved ones. Her sense of humor and contagious laughter could bring a smile to anyone’s face. Deeply loved, Ruby will be forever missed by those who knew her best.

The late 1920s were certainly some exciting years to be living in the United States. The Roaring 20s, as the decade is known, brought vivid innovation to the nation. Motion pictures in color and sound graced the silver screen, and ballroom dancing was wildly popular as well. During these influential years, William and Lillian Rose of Birmingham, Alabama, were awaiting the arrival of their baby with breathless anticipation. On July 2, 1929, their wait was over at last, and the happy parents were finally able to hold their daughter, Ruby, in their arms.

Growing up in the Great Depression meant that Ruby did not have an easy childhood. She was raised in Birmingham for the earliest years of her life. When Ruby was only two years old, the family suffered a terrible blow with the loss of her father, William. However, Ruby found great comfort and peace in reading books. She loved finding a cool place in the house to escape the summer heat and curl up with a good story. From a young age, Ruby also enjoyed learning and going to school. After her mother remarried, the family moved to Michigan in search of better work.

It was in Kalamazoo that Ruby met the young man who would soon become the love of her life. His name was Leo Vick, and the two first met while dancing on a Friday night. Ruby was instantly drawn to his good looks and charming personality. The two became high school sweethearts. Before long, Ruby and Leo were united in marriage. The couple would go on to spend over 50 wonderful years together, filled with countless moments of laughter, grief, struggle, and joy. Through it all, Ruby and Leo were an inseparable team, raising their family and facing every obstacle with the power of their faith behind them.

There was nothing more important to Ruby in life than her family. She and Leo were overjoyed to welcome their beloved children, Jon, Stephen, and Kathryn, into their hearts and home. Ruby threw herself into her role as a mother, and her kids were her pride and joy. She instilled in them the importance of respect for all, Saturday night dinners as a family, and good table manners. The Vick family lived in a small, close-knit neighborhood with all of their best friends nearby. Though Ruby was devastated by the loss of her son, Jon, in his senior year at Western Michigan University, she found a way to persevere with the support of her family and friends around her. Later in life, she was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. Ruby always considered herself blessed beyond measure to watch her family grow to include so many loved ones.

Outside of the home, Ruby put her strong work ethic to good use as a business office manager for AT&T. As a longtime member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Kalamazoo, her faith was the solid foundation of her life. Ruby prayed faithfully each and every night and could rest peacefully in the knowledge that God was watching over her family. She and Leo enjoyed traveling together, taking road trips across the United States and stopping at every casino along the way. Ruby was known for her lifelong passion for reading. She loved sitting with a book and some popcorn, and reading always brought her so much joy. After moving to Florida, Ruby joined the Red Hat Ladies. She also enjoyed playing bridge and line dancing. Ruby loved having fun and chasing adventure in life.

When reflecting on the life of Ruby Vick, it is easy to see both her unwavering determination and her overflowing love for her family. She was always willing to go above and beyond to care for those around her in whatever ways she could, big or small. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ruby made sure to hold her loved ones close every day. Her insatiable zest for life could be felt by all those around her, and her heart of service touched countless lives for the better. Though she is already so greatly missed, Ruby leaves behind a collection of priceless memories that her friends and family will forever keep close.

Ruby Vick of Kalamazoo, age 96, died on August 29, 2025. Ruby was born July 2, 1929 in Birmingham, AL. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo; son, Jon Vick; sister-in-law, Thalma Vick; and parents: William and Lillian Rose. Surviving are her children: Stephen Vick and Kathryn (Larry) Hunt; grandchildren: Kasey (Justin) Dinzik, Leo Vick, Jacqueline (Aaron) Fussner; and great-grandchildren: Wren and Macoy Dinzik.

A Life Story Service will be held Thursday, September 4, at 11 AM Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center where food, drinks and stories will be shared. Burial at Mt. Ever Rest Cemetery. Celebrate Ruby’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Michigan.