Ruby Marie Charleston Thompson Sandy was born in Dows Iowa on April 17th, 1937 to Gilman Ludwick Charleston and Doris Henrietta Reingardt Charleston. She grew up in Dows and graduated from Dows High School in 1954. She worked at the local grocery store in the meat department, loved woodworking with her dad, and tending flowers with her mom.

While working at the grocery store, she met Everly (Bud) Thompson and the two were married on August 26th, 1956. They had 4 children: DeeAnn Marie (July 1957), Gary Dean (August 1959), Barbara Jean (May 1961), and Thomas Mark (December 1962). They moved from Dows to Orient, IA in 1979.

In 1983, she moved to Indianola where she ultimately landed at Mary's Hallmark where she worked until she retired. She became best friends with her boss, Mary Geiger, who introduced her to Bob Sandy.

Bob and Ruby married in 1996. They enjoyed traveling, Balloon Days, ISU football and often arguing over who was going to win the Packers/Bears football games. With Bud being a Vikings fan, family dinners could get interesting.

Ruby enjoyed gardening, making stained glass, and various crafts including quilting and sewing. She also loved doing jigsaw puzzles on her tablet and with her great grandkids.

In the last few years, Ruby struggled with dementia and Alzheimer's. She has spent the last year in assisted living and care facilities.

She was preceded in death by her son Gary Dean, her parents Gilman and Doris, husband Bud, and husband Bob.

She is survived by Marvin (Linda) Charleston; Jenenne (Jerry Foust) White; DeeAnn Schnack, grandchildren Chris, Nathan (Alyssa), Matthew; Barbara Wambold, grandchildren Cara (George), Mike (Savannah Lee), Shaun (Jennifer); Tom (Carol) Thompson, grandchildren Kelsey, Grant; step-children Jill (Warren) Anderson, grandchildren Haley (Ben), Kit (Allison), Corey (Erika); Brent Sandy; Jori (Curt) Coghlan, grandchildren Kyle, Nicole (Aaron), Casey; and many great-grandkids that brought her much joy.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of love and support received during this difficult time.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, December 8, 2023 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola with the visitation held prior to services from 1 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home.  Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 9,2023 in the Fairview Cemetery, Dows, Iowa.  Memorials in memory of Ruby, may be given to the Alzheimer's Association.