Ruby Ann Hollenbeck went to be with the Lord on January 4, 2026. Ruby was a genuine treasure. Ruby lived a very full life but her greatest success in life was the impact she had on people. She will leave a lasting mark on the heart of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. The Bible talks about the characteristics of a virtuous woman. Proverbs 31:28 “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her”. That is very fitting for Ruby. Ruby enjoyed life and always saw the good, even during difficult times. She was incredibly strong but knew how to laugh. She never lost that spirit. She was a sweet, kind, gentle woman and an example of how to live your life. Ruby was born on March 7, 1936, to Alva and Lorelia Sammons of Powderhorn, Colorado. She spent her youth on the ranch in the Powderhorn Valley. There, she attended a one room schoolhouse. Powderhorn is a very small, rural town and there was no high school. When she reached that age, she stayed in a boarding house so she could attend Gunnison High School. That is where she met the love of her life, Dan Hollenbeck. After high school, they married and made their home in Gunnison. In 1968 they moved to Salida, where she remained until her death. They had 4 children, Connie, Mike, Kathy, and Sandy. Through the years, Ruby was involved in many activities and organizations in Salida. She operated the café at the Salida Livestock sale barn and was well known for her pies. Ruby loved to be outside. She loved camping, picnics, and 4Wheeling. Even in her later years she was excited to get out and enjoy nature. She loved her flowers in the summer, and watching the birds. She didn’t rush through life but rather took time to appreciate all the big and little things around her. She loved the Lord and enjoyed Bible Studies and attending church. She was preceded in death by her husband Dan, her parents, Alva and Lorelia, as well as her brothers Paul, Perry, and Don and her sisters, Ruth and Ila and her son in law, Robb Weinholdt. She is survived by her brother, Glen Sammons, children, Connie (Guy) Edmonds, Mike (Ronda) Hollenbeck, Kathy (Rick) Davidoff, and Sandy (Phil) Gardunio, her grandchildren, Bob (Brandy) Edmonds, Tim (Sarah) Edmonds, Stephanie (Jeremiah) New, Clay (Crissy) Hollenbeck, Kim (Kevin) Wheeler, Lindsay (George) Davis, Kyle (Christina) Weinholdt, Bailee (Rob) Gardunio, Hayden (Jade) Gardunio. She also has great grandchildren, Kaycee, Koree, Kailee, Maisee (Austin), Dakota, Ryleann, Josephine, Daniel, Eli, Lily and Liam. She was looking forward to welcoming her first great, great granddaughter in February. Funeral services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Salida on Thursday, January 8th at 11:30 am. The graveside burial will be in Powderhorn Colorado on Friday.
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