Ruby Irene Ozanich

Ruby Irene Davis Ozanich passed away on November 24th, 2022, in Gilbert, AZ at the age of 93. Irene was born in New Mexico, the 6th child of 14. She is survived by her sister, Gladys Yancey; brothers, Oliver (Danella), and Donald (Sharon); her daughters, Debbie, Denise (Larry), and Diana (Chuck) and their families, 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Fred, and Alma Davis; her beloved husband, Tony; her siblings, Thelma, Clara, Violet, Harold, Lois, H.F., Ruth, Anna, Earlene and Bonnie and son-in-law, Rick, and two grandsons.

Irene grew up on a ranch in northern New Mexico. She was herding sheep with her siblings when she was 5. Irene remembered cooking her first meal, a pot of pinto beans when she was about 7. Her first school was a one room schoolhouse, and she had the same teacher for 8 years. Her junior high and high school years were spent away from home. She studied in Colorado, Kansas and Tennessee and finished with a teaching degree earned at Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM. She taught 1st grade in Magdelena, NM.

Her life changed when she was introduced by friends to Anthony "Tony" Ozanich. They married on Christmas Eve of 1954 and were very happy until his passing in 2006. Later in their marriage they ran a successful trucking company, AJO Freight.

Irene taught Sunday school for many years and was a Brownie leader. She enjoyed spending time with her bible study group and women's club. Irene loved to play Scrabble and was very competitive, although she would deny it. She enjoyed word search puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. She liked watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, especially with her family as she grew older. Irene learned to drive when she was 31. She loved to hike the hills around Ojito and show her children her favorite places - the schoolhouse, Tapicitos, Gavilan and Davis Rock.

Her grandchildren have sweet memories of time spent with their grandma. Baking cookies, a box of toys in the living room, Sunny Delite and Dr Pepper in the fridge ready for their visits.

Her daughters have fond memories of Sunday being the day of rest. Church, family dinner and quiet time.

Irene's sense of style and willingness to let her daughters express theirs was forward thinking and always appreciated. They fondly remember their orange bedroom with bright flowered bedspreads that she helped them create when they were teenagers.

Irene has been described by many as kind, caring and sweet, with a beautiful smile. She was loved by many and will be missed.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022, beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m., at FRENCH - Westside. A private burial will be held at a later date.