Ruby Marie Craik

Ruby Marie Craik was proudly born in Ulen, Minnesota, on July 31, 1926. She attended Ulen public schools, graduated in 1944, and attended Concordia College; she graduated from St. John's School of Nursing in 1948 and worked as a nurse for 19 years before retiring from Meritcare Hospital.

Ruby married Milo Craik of Fargo on August 12, 1949. They became lifelong Fargo residents, where together they raised five daughters. They took many memorable family camping trips, and following retirement, Ruby and Milo enjoyed traveling—especially by train. The two were always surrounded by family and friends, especially since their home was always open to visitors who could enjoy fresh coffee and a cookie (or two).

Throughout her 96 years, Ruby was always looking for ways to help others—even if that meant simply listening and offering an understanding nod followed by her signature smile.

She was an active member of Pontoppidan Lutheran Church—teaching Sunday School, welcoming and acclimating refugees into the community, quilting, and supporting the P.E.P. Club. Living up to her name, she was lovingly regarded as 'one of the three jewels of Pontoppidan.'

Ruby was regarded as an avid reader whose interests ran the gamut, as indicated by the range of topics and titles in her library available to anyone needing a book, a night owl available to take a call well after 10 p.m., and for her sharp wit and a healthy sense of humor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Della (Jensen) Stende; five brothers, sister, daughter, and husband; and survived by four daughters, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, with a ninth arriving this July.