Ruby Joyce Nelson, age 86 years old, of Sand Springs, Oklahoma passed away peacefully in her home on October 28th. 2025.

Ruby was born November 5th, 1938 in Titus Texas to Roy and Cecil Howell joining her siblings Mary Irene, James Hollis and Leroy Brown Howell. She was proceeded in death by her husband (Jack) John Kenneth Nelson, both parents and her siblings.

She is survived by her daughter Andrea Marie and spouse Jerry Wilson of the home and 2 stepsons Tracy Lee and spouse Kathleen Nelson of Marysville, CA. and Cory Matthew Nelson and spouse Elizabeth Enlow of Santa Anna, CA.

4 grandchildren, Stephanie and spouse Jay Schippers of Fort Collins, Co., Mathew and spouse Tori Autaubo of Okmulgee, Ok., Sarah Bagby of Sand Springs, Ok., Jonathan and spouse Alexandrea of Blanchard, Ok. 4 Step grandchildren, Coy Wilson and spouse Kacy Wilson of Rowlett, TX., Morgan and Max Nelson of Santa Anna CA., and Ryan Nelson of Marysville CA.

16 great grandchildren, Jay Paul Schippers, Samantha Schippers, Joseph Schippers, Kristin Autaubo, George Autaubo, Lora Autuabo, Emily Autaubo, Keeley Bagby, Kennedy Penn, Kemri Penn, Keenan Penn II, Amilia Autaubo, Dara Autaubo, Geovanni Autaubo, Jolene Autaubo and Trez Wilson. 4 great great grandchildren, Joseph Anguiano, Grayson Buck, Astrid Neeley and Alexia Schippers.

She loved animals, painting, camping, fishing, gardening, going to church with the family, her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.   She was a member of Tulsa Hills Baptist church.

Ruby's parents were migrant farmers, migrating from California to Mississippi and back every year during her years in school.  Because of this she was promoted by 2 years and graduated high school at the age of 16.  In the early 70s she moved to Oklahoma to care for her parents, they began to do so well that they decided to return to Oregon to be close to her Dad's brother.

She held various jobs in her lifetime such as a waitress, bookkeeper, she worked for a meat packing company as a meat packer and at one time she owned and managed seven Pizza 2 go stores throughout Washington and Idaho.

She married Jack in North Bonneville, Washington, on July 21, 1958, they divorced in 1961 and went their separate ways.  Then 43 years later in May of 2004, they found themselves both single again.  Even with living over 2000 miles away their love rekindled and they reunited again in marriage in Elkton, OR in June 2005 where she retired as a bookkeeper and became a home maker/caregiver for her older sister Mary for 5 years. Jack passed in 2010 and Mary passed not long after. Ruby then became primary caregiver for her older brother James until his passing in 2018. She returned to Oklahoma to live near her daughter and grandchildren.

A celebration of Ruby's life for family and friends will be held on November 24th, 2025 at 2:00 pm at 310 W. 32nd Street, Sand Springs, Ok 74063.

Arrangements are under the direction of Traditions Funeral and Cremation Services, 35 S Main, Kellyville, OK, 918-247-7373.