Ruby Josephine Engel
Born: December 16th, 1919
Died: October 16th, 2012
Obituary
Ruby Josephine Rice Engel, 92, of Burlington, passed on at GRMC Klein Center, on Tuesday morning, October 16, 2012. She was the daughter of John P. and Wilhemina J. Koch Rice. She was born December 16, 1919 in Kingston, Iowa. Ruby married Joseph Engel in April 1949 in Burlington, Iowa. He passed away on March 1, 1993. Ruby was a full time mother and worked several jobs. She enlisted in the armed services in 1942 as a WAC during WWII. She earned the rank of Sergeant and spent time in England as well as France. Her military duties included postal worker and cook. Ruby worked several jobs including 20 years for the Burlington School District. Ruby was an active member of the 10102 VFW in Burlington, Iowa. She at times would carry the United States Flag during the Christmas parade. She was often the year's top poppy salesperson and was the contact person for the military rites for the funeral services. Ruby gave of her time to the Presbyterian Church as a volunteer. She also loved her vegetable garden and always found time to plant one in the backyard every year. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. She leaves behind a loving family of six children; three son, James (Norma)Engel, Joseph Engel and Bruce(Sue) Engel, all of Burlington, Iowa; three daughters, Carolyn Engel-Gortmaker of Alaska, Mary Engel-White of Indiana and Marquetta Engel of California; seven grandchildren, Stephanie Engel-Schoenewe, Jennifer Engel-Orton, Kellie Engel, Jordyn Engel, Antoinette (Toni) Gortmaker-Lester, Frank White and Joshua Engel; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Louise Rice-Yedlik; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph; her daughter, Sheila Mae (born 8-1-1951); her parents John and Minnie Rice; ten sisters, Esther, Rosa, Katherine, Hattie, Lena, Nellie, Grace, Edna, Mabel and Hazel; and four brothers, John, Edward, Ralph and Harold. Funeral services for Ruby Josephine Rice Engel will be held on Monday, October 22, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in Prugh's Chapel, Burlington, Iowa. Chaplain David Plooster will officiate. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in memory of Ruby Engel. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. in Prugh's Chapel. Condolences may be left at www.prughfuneralservice.com.