Ruby Anne Carr, 84 of Byron, IL, passed away on Monday, Sept. 3, 2012 at Alden Park Strathmoor Nursing Home in Rockford, IL as a result of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. She was born on April 13, 1928 in Flagg Township, IL to Oscar A. and E. Maude (Hathaway) Grover. She was a direct descendant of the Pilgrims on the Mayflower and was a founding member of the Ogle County Genealogical Society. Ruby married Ralph J. Carr on Aug. 23, 1952 at the Rochelle Presbyterian Church, and he preceded her in death on Jan. 17, 2010. She was also preceded by her parents, a stillborn brother and son-in-law: David Newman.
She graduated from Rochelle Township High School, and Northern Illinois University, then taught school in East Aurora, Kings, Byron, Riverside, and Lathrop in Rockford.

Ruby grew up on a dairy farm on Fowler road west of Rochelle. She was a lifetime learner and avid reader. She loved to talk about local history events and people. While teaching at Kings Elementary School another teacher, Edith Carr, invited her to dinner and introduced her son, Ralph J. Carr, to Ruby. Ruby giggled as she told her cousins that she was in love with Ralph. She worked at the Byron Grocery store and then taught Home Economics at Byron High School until the birth of her first child, Ralph Irvin. Their second child, Leanne Ruby, was born on Ruby's birthday and also both were born on Friday the 13th. The third child came faster than her husband expected and Barbara Anne was born December 8, in a borrowed car. It was very cold and they hit a deer just before Barbara was born in the car. The fourth child, Linda Deanne, was born on Ruby's parents anniversary, Valentines Day.
When Linda started kindergarten, Ruby returned to teaching. A career that lasted 38 years. She last taught at Lathrop Elementary School in Rockford.
Ruby enjoyed attending family events and senior activities. She loved flowers and butterflies.

The family would like to acknowledge the loving care and compassion given to Ruby during her stay at Park. We especially wish to thank Myrna, Carla, Vickey, Joseph, Jerri, Kate, Christina, Linda, Deb, and the many other wonderful people who touched her life in special ways. We apologize that we can not remember all of the names of the others who went above and beyond to tenderly make an impact on Ruby's life.

Survivors include: Son: Rev. Ralph I. (Lavonne Strom) Carr of Rochelle; daughters: Leanne (Dave, deceased) Newman of Belvidere, Barbara (Tom) Winebaugh of Rochelle, Linda (Orville) Good of Rochelle, 13 grandchildren: Derek (Karen) Good, Jeremy (Lisa) Good, Jacob (Rosemary Ellis) Good, Andrew (Alyssa Ortiz) Good, Tyler Carls, Adam Newman, Jennifer Newman, Dr. Joshua Winebaugh, Aimee Winebaugh, Lucas Winebaugh, Jason (Kelly) Carr, Matthew Carr, and Ralph "Wesley" (Cristal) Carr; 5 great grandchildren: Bryar, Magdalene, and Elijah Good, Rachel Mae and Katherine Jolynne Carr; and a sister-in-law: Nancie (Harold "Nels") Nelson of Mount Morris, IL.

Services are Friday, Sept. 7, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle with Rev. Steve Dow officiating.
Visitation at Unger-Horner on Thursday, Sept. 6th, from 5 to 7 PM with a Eulogy Service at 7 PM by Rev. Ralph Carr. A memorial has been established. Burial at Trinity Memory Gardens.