Ruby May Porter Schindler Griffin, age 86, was given her heavenly wings on November 27, 2024. She was born September 20, 1938. But was also born again spiritually to our God in Heaven. She was a humble, kind, caring and forgiving person. She was firm in her beliefs but didn’t push them on anyone. She made sure her children grew up knowing the difference between right and wrong (though we all make mistakes) and that life was what you made of it.

We went to neighborhood Bible time (VBS) and some of us even made it to Camp Chetek. It wasn’t forced but we all knew about God! Was life easy for her? No…but she made sure it was fun for her kids whether it was living in a house or in a car.

Taking us fishing, going out several times during Halloween night because our bags got full, finding our Easter basket by following clues and strings! Playing chess, pinochle, and scrabble. Taking rides with the horses! Horseback camping with family at Wildcat Mountain, riding horse in parades. I will never forget sitting all together on a bed keeping us happy while she is praying to herself that the tornado, please pass us by.

Ruby was married for 20 years to Larry Schindler and had 6 children, Sherril, Becky, Sandy, Mike, Gale (Ruthie) and Francis (Susy), 11 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren and another on the way. Along with many other relatives through various marriages and relationships.

Ruby was not a spoiling mom or grandma. She was not much of a babysitter either but that doesn’t mean she did not love each and every one of her kids and grandkids. She very much believed in disciplining the same way she felt the parents would…as to not be different. She was a listen to your parents type of person. At the same time, she would listen to you vent about issues going on in your life. A private person but loved socializing with her good friends while playing cards and scrabble. She bowled until her dementia wouldn’t let her anymore!

Divorced and then later married Harley Griffin and gained six more children, David, Rick, Connie (Jeff), Cheryl (Bob), Neal (Luann) and Cindy (Jeff) and several more grandkids. When Harley passed in November 2008, Ruby said it was the best 30 years of her life and she missed him every day!

Ruby was diagnosed with dementia in 2020. Such an unforgiving disease. Through good days and bad days, Ruby still at times very spunky and able to make people laugh. She will be sadly missed by many friends and relatives.

Those of you who knew Ruby, know who you are! Ruby loved each and every one of you! Ruby was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandy, a stepson, David, her husband, Harley Griffin and ex-husband, Larry Schindler. And very much-loved fur baby dog, Whimpy.

She is further survived by five siblings, Frances, Sally, Bill, Josie and Donny, along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Ruby was ready to go to her home in Heaven long before it happened. God still had a purpose for her being here even with her dementia! Everything happens for a reason which leads me ending this story about Ruby with two phrases. “Everything will work out in the end. You don’t need to know how. You just have to trust that it will” and “Never regret a day in your life. Good days give happiness…bad days give experience…the worst days are lessons…and the best days give memories.” You will leave this Earth with everyone knowing you no longer feel frustrated, and you will continue now with peace! We all Love you so much!!

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 5, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah, WI. Pastor Michael Gjefle will officiate. Burial will follow in the Warren Mills Cemetery, Warrens, Wisconsin. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.