Ruby M. Karmann, 95, of Junction City, Kansas passed away on September 15, 2024, in her home. Ruby was born on June 7, 1929, to Marion and Martha (Hartung) Lisle in Afton, Oklahoma. She was both a friend and family member to many in Junction City. Everyone she met was a dear friend, even if she did not know them very well. Many called her Mom or Miss Ruby.
Ruby was often seen around town on her three-wheeled bicycle; then later on, her mobile scooter. She cared for many family members who needed care or help in their homes and until her Aunt Lilly passed away, she would go up to the retirement home and visit her each day. Ruby was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for many years where she also did much volunteer work. She helped clean the church and take care of the nursery and did many visitations with her beloved best friend, Madge Wright.
Ruby's volunteer work also extended outside of the church with her Scout programs. She was a Scout leader for many years and earned many awards for her participation helping to raise young boys into men. She would give her last dollar to someone in need, even if she did not know them. One time she was mugged and after he got the money she asked him why he was robbing her, and he told her he needed the money. That was enough for her to get the money from her shoe and give it to him cause she felt that he needed it more than her.
She was very proud of her Native American heritage and all her life wore her hair in two braids. She talked of it often to us kids so we could be proud of it too. Ruby helped raise several of her grandchildren or would take them into her home when they needed a place to go. It was not unusual in her 80's for people passing by the home to see her outside chopping wood or using a chainsaw for her wood burning stove or up on the roof trying to mend it. The Daily Union even printed a picture of her in the tree using her chainsaw.
loved her church and Jesus. She loved doing jigsaw puzzles on the computer or solitary until she lost her eyesight. She was always humming some tune in her head. Ruby was also a huge "chochoholic", Hershey candy bars being her favorite. She asked for her beloved candy bars all the way into Heaven. I just hope there is some Hershey bars in Heaven for her. It didn't matter if she knew you or not, she had a big hug for everyone. Anytime you would be out and about with her, there was always someone coming up and asking how Mom or Miss Ruby was doing. She loved people and she gave the love to everyone who crossed her path.
Ruby is survived by three children, Ruby L. Karmann ( Harrison W. Simpson) of Rapid City, Colorado, Ruth Karmann-Ray of Emporia Kansas, and Russell White of Maynard, Arkansas; one brother, Edward Dale Berends of Osage City, Kansas; ten grandchildren, Rick Karmann, Karen McIntosh, Barb Snyder, Charles Karmann, Michelle L. Karmann Mears (Edward) of Junction City, Kansas, Michelle Grantham of Wichita, Kansas, Joshua Karmann of Emporia, Kansas, Donald Woods of Wichita, Kansas, Jolene Lacey of Adair, Oklahoma, Jeremiah Genovesi of Strang, Oklahoma, and many other grandchildren and great-grand children.She is preceded by three sons, Richard L. Karmann (Sue) of McLouth, Kansas, Rex Karmann, and Robert Karmann; one daughter, Rosalee L. Karmann and one grandson, Michael Roll.