Ruby A. Keely of Knox was welcomed into the arms of her loving Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Jan. 3, 2015 at the Golden Living in Clarion.

Ruby, 90, was born December 23, 1924, the daughter of Guy L. Sheatz and Elsie M. Mitchell Sheatz.

On July 3, 1943, she married Donald Keely, who passed away September 13, 1995. During the early part of their marriage the couple lived along Route 338 east of Knox. Here they built Lake Marie Eileen, which was named for their daughters: Diane Eileen and Alletta Marie. They operated a fishing lake, swimming pool and a little restaurant. At the restaurant Ruby was known for her homemade donuts and fresh baked pies. In addition, Ruby was known in the community for her elaborately designed cakes baked in many different shapes and forms, including a turkey and a grand piano. A phenomenal seamstress, Ruby sewed anything from fur-laced doll clothes to beautiful full-length wedding gowns.

In 1959 the family moved to Mesa, Arizona, where they lived until  1984, when the couple returned to retire in the Knox area. During her years in the west, Ruby developed many of her God-given talents as an artist, being proficient in all media. Besides painting, her crocheting was very unusual. She crocheted Kachina dolls using stitches of her own making. She also designed and crocheted dolls that were featured in crochet magazines. As an avid crafter, Ruby created unique items using dried weeds and flowers, aluminum foil, bread dough and papier-mâché. Ruby also worked in miniatures, making scenes inside halved peanut shells. She created one of the White House that she sent to President Carter. Along with all of the above, she was a wonder in the kitchen, considered by friends and family to be a gourmet cook.

Ruby was a faith-filled Christian who attended and sang soprano in the choir at Grace Evangelical Congregational Church at Ninevah.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, her parents, her brother Harry Sheatz, and son-in-law Fred Kent.

She is survived by her daughter Diane Arnold and husband Donald of Tempe, AZ, and daughter Alletta Kent of Show Low, AZ, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Ruby is survived by her sister Kathleen Fye and husband Leroy, her sister Roberta Rossman and friend Joseph Kulwicki, her sister-in-law Helen Sheatz Hartzell and husband Robert, Sr., and sister-in-law Eva Jane Keely, all of the Knox area. Many nieces, nephews, and their extended families live near and far.

A Christian celebration in honor of Ruby’s life was held on March 19, 2011, with a gathering of family and friends sharing memories, poems, and hymns. The Rev. Richard Osberg led the group with Scripture and prayer. Ruby enjoyed and treasured this joyful event.

Always a generous woman with her art, in her final days Ruby continued to give by having copies of six of her favorite paintings made into dozens of beautiful cards. These she shared with family, friends, and staff, leaving a little bit of herself with those whose lives had touched hers. In addition, her watercolor angel Christmas cards brought special joy in 2014.

The family wishes to give appreciation to the staff at Golden Living Center, Clarion, for their kindness and care during the past few months of Ruby’s life journey and to AseraCare Hospice and Clarion-Forest VNA Hospice for their support.

Ruby has requested that memorial donations be made to the Starr Cemetery Association and mailed to Ed Lewis, 1833 Ron McHenry Rd, Knox, PA 16232. An alternate request is that memorial donations be made to The Kirtland Cancer Foundation. The Kirtland Cancer Foundation provides charitable assistance to cancer patients and their families in the Venango County Area regardless of where treatments are received. Donations may be sent to: Kirtland Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 108, Franklin, PA 16323. For more information please go to https://www.kirtlandcancerfoundation.org .

There will be no visitation or memorial service. Internment will be at Starr Cemetery at the convenience of the family with arrangements by Goble Funeral Home and Crematory. Words of condolence may be sent to www.goblefh.net .