Ruby (Skelton) Donegan

Ruby Skelton Deakins Donegan, age 93, passed away following a short illness on Sunday, February 28, 2021. Ruby was born in the west Texas town of Novice on March 28, 1927. Her mother died when she was two, and Ruby and her twin sister Ruth were raised by an aunt and uncle, Pearl and Ira Deakins, on their family ranch near Talpa, TX.
Ruby majored in music at North Texas State College and taught school for several years before meeting the love of her life, Ben Donegan, a geologist doing work near the ranch. One day, while eating in the local café, Ben noticed the attractive young woman who came in to deliver milk and the rest is history! Ben's work brought them to Albuquerque in 1955 where they raised two children, Nancy and Mike.

Ruby returned to teaching when her children reached high school, obtained her library certification from UNM, and became the librarian at Eubank Elementary and then, in 1985, at Osuna Elementary where she spent the rest of her teaching career directing classes in the library, hosting Book Fairs, designing her colorful bulletin boards, and helping children gain a life-long love for reading. In 2006, The Ruby Donegan Library was dedicated in recognition of her many years of service.

Ben and Ruby were married 63 years before his passing in 2016. Ruby is survived by daughter Nancy Nolan (Steve) and son Mike (Kathy); grandchildren Sarah, Sam, Nick, Josh (Amy), Courtney, Ben (Rayche'll), and Lacey (Casey); great-grandchildren Coco, Tripp, Marli, Slade, Hadley, Danley, Preston, Silver, and baby Roan Parker Donegan.

Ruby loved her family and was deeply loved, and we are especially touched by the many expressions of condolence and remembrance, including those from Ruby's Osuna family. We would also like to thank the dedicated staff at Woodmark who watched over her these past four years.

A small graveside interment service was held Friday, March 5, 2021, 11:00 AM, at Sunset Memorial Park with Rev. Harry W. Chapman presiding.

For those who would like to make a memorial contribution in Ruby's name, donations may be sent to Osuna Elementary School, 4715 Moon St NE, Albuquerque., NM 87111 and will go to the "Ruby's Reads" Activity Fund.