Ruby Harwood

Ruby June Harwood, age 85, a longtime resident of Lake Odessa, most recently of Hudsonville, Michigan, went to be with her Lord on May 15, 2021. She was a member of Jamestown Baptist Church. Ruby was born on June 8, 1935, to Paul and Alma Boger, the third child of four, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where her father was employed working in the Hershey Chocolate Factory. She recalls raising chickens and selling eggs to help make ends meet. But of all the stories she tells, the one she loved most was when she was eight years old. Daddy called her in the living room, sat her on his knee, and described the love of Jesus and way of salvation to her. She remembers John 3:16 as the verse that brought her to Christ. When her father was called into ministry the family relocated to Clarksville, Michigan, where he would pastor. Ruby lived there through her teen years and caught the eye of her lifetime love at Saranac High. Maybe it was the other way around. After all she was a year older and always seemed to know just what she liked. At any rate they married, and “Derb and Rube” planted roots in Lake Odessa. They lived there for over sixty years (52 years in the same home) where they raised their three children: Deborah, Mark, and Jeffrey. Family and family gatherings were central to her life and most were gathered around a large old table that adorns her home in Hudsonville to this day. Derby was the quiet, easy going one. Ruby was the spunky, feisty one, and together they made a great team particularly when they sat down at the old upright piano in the dining room. Derby took the high notes and Ruby filled in the low end as they played hymns and ragtime songs. Neither knew how to read music but somehow, they knew how to make the keys sing. If Jesus and his bride were her first passion, and Derb and piano were her second, one could easily discern the third. Through all her years Ruby served and loved her family. Holidays were special. Everyone was welcome and everyone felt at home. Her final holiday, one she had hosted every year since the ice age, was a celebration of the Resurrection (Easter) April 4th at her home. She was so excited to be able to do this and did not want to wait for Mother’s Day to gather. Well, she got her way, (she could be pretty determined), the table was full and the easter egg hunt was on. It was a beautiful Spring Day. An Unclouded Day. The hope of a future on the horizon. She was so happy. She fell ill on April 29th and passed two weeks later. Preceding her in death was her beloved husband, Durward (Derby) Harwood; her parents, Paul and Alma Boger; and her brothers, Dick Boger and John Boger. She is survived by her younger sister, Naomi (Boger) Pauley. She will be deeply missed by her children, Deborah (Daryl) Underwood, Mark Harwood, and Jeff (Andrea Hall) Harwood. She will be remembered by her grandchildren, Aaron (Patsy) Raymond, Joshua Underwood, Jeremy (Shannon) Underwood and Jonathan Harwood. She will continue as a legacy to her great-grandchildren, Gabby, Nick, Hailey, AJ, Cohen, Crosby, Keira, Thomas (Audrey), Samantha (Damon), London, Malachi, Nora Jo (who at this point seems to have inherited her feisty demeanor), and little Oakleigh. May we all gather at the table again one day. Hopefully, we will hear two lovebirds on one bench playing the piano. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at 1 p.m. at Jamestown Baptist Church, 2472 Quincy St., Hudsonville, with Pastor Dennis Gilbert officiating. The burial will take place at Lakeside Cemetery in Lake Odessa. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from noon-1 p.m. at the church prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Jamestown Baptist Church.