Ruby E. Mikkelsen

Ruby was born in Auburn New York on October 1'st 1920. She was the second child born to O. Dime Ure and Etta Gove Ure. Her parents operated a small farm. She was the valedictorian of her high school class and attended business school after graduation. Her first job was with the Firth Carpet company in Auburn New York. On a vacation to Nebraska to visit distant family members she met Whittier Mikkelsen. They married in 1946 and their son Edwin was born in 1948. They initially lived on a farm in Franklin, Nebraska but later bought a General merchandise store in Manley, Nebraska in 1950. Her husband also became the postmaster. They operated the store together for over 30 years and were known for their annual Christmas event when Santa would visit and distribute toys to the children who lived in the rural farming community. Her husband died in 1984 and she eventually moved to Florida in 1992, settling in the Road Runner Travel Resort in Fort Pierce, Florida. She lived there independently until her health declined in the spring of 2015 and she moved to the Emerald Skilled Nursing Facility. During her many years in the Road Runner she was known by all as the "cookie lady" as she frequently made cookies for her fellow long term residents. She also frequently made cookies for the children of friends who were serving overseas in the military. In recognition of her service she received two letters of recognition from military commanders. When her physical abilities began to decline she began transitioning to making muffins for others as they required less physical work. During these years she was a frequent visiter the home of his son and his family in Wellesley Massachusetts often staying for months at a time. She was adored by her two granddaughters who loved baking and making quilts with Grandma Ruby. Her family also visited her frequently in Florida. Ruby was able to live independently up until May of 2015. Miss Ruby, as she was called by the staff, was well liked and cared for in the Emerald Skilled Nursing facility until her death on January 16'th of 2016. She is survived by her son Dr Edwin Mikkelsen, his wife Karen and their daughters Catherine and Kristen.