Ruby Dean (Graham) Taylor, age 93, of Omaha, Neb., passed away peacefully on Oct. 23, 2025. Ruby was born on March 15, 1932, in Catale, Okla., to Albert and Orpha (Cates) Graham. She was the eldest of seven, Mary, Betty, Ellen, Chuck, Wayne and Bill. The family moved to Iowa when Ruby was in her teens and she graduated from high school in Magnolia.
Ruby graduated into a life filled with love, dedication, and service to others. On Nov. 19, 1952, she married her forever love, Guye “Mel” Melvin Taylor, and together they built a beautiful family and legacy. Welcoming their first daughter, Pamela Ann, in 1954 and their second daughter, Susan Kay, in 1958. Their first home was in Logan, before settling in Missouri Valley, where they lived the majority of their years.
Ruby and Mel were proud business owners in their community, operating Taylor Chrysler Dodge, also known as Mel’s Auto Co., on 6th Street in Missouri Valley from 1971 to 1998. Ruby also excelled professionally as a successful real estate broker and in 1989 she opened a branch office for Gateway Better Homes & Gardens Realtor. She contributed to several civic organizations and enjoyed selling makeup part time as a Mary Kay consultant.
Despite her busy careers Ruby was always there for her family. She ensured lunch was on the table shortly after the noon whistle blew each day and supper ready every evening for her husband Mel and any other family that were gathered in their home.
Ruby and Mel retired to Omaha, Neb., where they continued to enjoy life together until Mel’s passing on Aug. 14, 2017.
She is survived by her daughters: Pamela Ann (Steven) Santage and Susan Kay (the late Daniel Walter). Her Grandchildren: Vanessa (Rob) Bailey, Faith (Samuel) Kern, Darrel (Ann) Santage, Travis Santage, Douglas Santage, and Taylor Walter who carries the Taylor name in honor of her grandparents. She also leaves behind nine beloved great-grandchildren: Raegan, Dominic, Lyndsay, Nickolas, Dylan, Hayley, Samantha, Madison and her namesake, Ruby. She is also survived by her one sister, Mary Ehlert.
Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Orpha (Cates) Graham, her husband Mel, and five siblings: Charles “Chuck” Graham, Bill Graham, Ellen Schneider, Betty Slezak, and Wayne Graham.
Ruby will be remembered for her strength and devotion to family. She lived her life with tremendous generosity and faith, the family matriarch whose legacy will continue through those who had the blessing of loving her.
Her family takes comfort in knowing that Ruby is once again reunited with her husband, Mel, parents, siblings and all those who love her.
Services were conducted Oct. 29, 2025, at Hennessey Funeral Home.
Arrangements made by Hennessey Funeral Home, Missouri Valley.
