Ruby Irene Rogers Smit was born May 17, 1913 in Norway, Kansas, to Jesse Anderson and Bertha Jane (Wickliff) Rogers. She lived a full and productive life dedicated to helping others until her death May 15, 2011 in Johnson, Kansas. Ruby was 97.
The Rogers (her parents) lived near Burr Oak, Kansas, a community made up mostly of farmland and tree-lined creeks and lakes. Ruby's younger years revolved around farm and school activities with her four sisters and three brothers. She was 13 when the family moved to Kirk, Colorado, once again to farm and ranch. Ruby attended schools in Burr Oak and Kirk.
An important event in her life occurred at age 17 when she, her sister, Leta, and a friend were baptized in the cold water of a stock tank at a church meeting near Joes, Colorado. Ruby continued to be a dedicated Christian throughout her life.
The Rogers farm was a busy place when Ruby was growing up. She learned to sew, quilt and embroider and over the years produced many wonderful pieces of needle work. Ruby did all the chores involved with farming of that time, learning from her parents as she went along. She thoroughly enjoyed working with her mother at any tasks at hand.
On November 14, 1945, Ruby married Harry Smit, a veteran who had returned from World War II action. The newlyweds settled down on his family homestead 18 miles north of Vona, Colorado. Once again, it was a busy schedule. Ruby often helped Harry by working cattle and driving a tractor.
The Smits raised Angus cattle and various farm crops. In addition, Ruby maintained a flock of 500 hens and sold eggs and cream. She also raised turkeys for meat markets in the Chicago area. Gardening was another serious project and she planted big gardens. Her one special hobby was roses. Ruby's rose gardens were legendary.
Two children were born into the family: Harry Eugene (Gene) in 1949 and Sandra Kay (Sandy) in 1954. Both were adored by their parents. Because of an injury at birth Gene required special attention and Ruby and Harry cared for him until his death in 1992.
The Smits moved to Burlington in 1980. With fewer farm chores to do, they became involved in community projects and were among the volunteers working to introduce Burlington's Old Town to the area. And, once again, Ruby grew splendid roses. She and Harry also spent special time with their grandsons, Justin and Clint, children of their daughter, Sandy, and her husband, Homer Mundell. Ruby baked birthday cakes shaped like lambs for each and quilted special quilts for "the boys."
After Harry's death in 2004, Ruby continued to live in Burlington until 2007 when she moved to Walsh, Colorado to be near Sandy and her family. During her time there she enjoyed going with Sandy or Homer to feed or check cattle or do any other chore, like mow the Minneapolis Cemetery. Ruby "loved to mow." At the time of her death she had plans to buy some new roses for her rose garden and to put out some tomato plants.
Surviving are her daughter, Sandy Mundell; grandsons, Justin and his wife Desirae, and their children, Reece, Grady and Cooper, Springfield, Colorado, and Clint and his wife, Lauren, of Liberal , Kansas; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; son; son-in-law, Homer Mundell; her parents; sisters, Sadie Sloniker, Susie Shively, Leta Maag, and Edith Rogers; and brothers, Bill, Jess and Ed Rogers.