Ruby Eileen Chapman

Ruby Chapman was born Ruby Eileen Figgins on June 24, 1921 in a farmhouse in Shelby County, IL.

Parents Burl and Osa Christiana Figgins and two year old sister, Olive Jean, welcomed her with joyful hearts. This would complete their family.

Ruby was a happy, outgoing girl whose talent was obvious from the very beginning. She was cooking dinners for farmhands before she was a teenager! Helping on every farm they worked!

The family traveled a lot because of her father's work as a farmer. Ruby grew up in a family that loved Jesus as far back as she could remember, and HE was her foundation for her entire life.

From Illinois to Missouri in 1922, to Glendale, CA, in 1924 to Leona Valley, CA, 1932 to North Dakota in 1933 and back to California in 1038.

In 1939, Ruby eloped with Don Chapman to Yuma, AZ when she was only 17 years old. They met at church, dating only a few months and actually kept their marriage a secret from their families for a month before admitting they were married. Ruby remembered it as being a very exiting time.

Don was a farmer and carpenter and they kept moving wherever he could find work. So, while in California in 1941 their first child, Eileen, was born in Bell, CA.

In 1942, they were on the move again and in 1945 Duane was born in Beach, North Dakota.

Ruby loved traveling, which they continued doing as the years went by.

In 1945, they settled in Washington until 1947 before moving back to California. They then returned to Washington in 1950 living there for the next 5 years.

Their next two children were born in 1953, Cheryl, and 1955, Larry, in Olympia, Washington.

1955 moving back to Gardena, CA and their oldest daughter was married in 1960.

Their first grandson, James, was born and Ruby was thrilled to be a "grandmother". She reminded anyone who was listening that "Grandma" or any other title was not to her liking! So "grandmother" it was from that day forward! There would be a total of 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren to make their life complete.

Back in Washington in 1965 for six years then down to Huntington Beach, CA, in 1970 where their son Duane was married. Cheryl was first married in 1972 and Larry in 1979.

In 1985, Don and Ruby moved for the last time as a couple to Pahrump, NV, where they built their dream six bedroom farmhouse.

In 1997, Don passed away, leaving a great legacy of being a loving husband, father and grandpa. For the next to years Ruby managed the farm house until she was convinced to move into La Puente, CA with her daughter Cheryl and son-in-law, Ronnie.

She truly enjoyed her "retirement" years - she loved her church and her Lord. Ruby kept busy from morning to night, cooking, sewing quilts, taking care of animals, gardening and talking on the phone to daughter Eileen and son-in-law Jim in Oregon.

Ruby loved living with daughter Cheryl, her faithful, loving caregiver, and her (as she put it) tall, dark, and handsome son-in-law, Ronnie. She loved visiting her kids and grand kids as often as she could. Ruby enjoyed her trips to Santa Rosa to stay with son Larry and daughter-in-law Andrea. She faithfully visited her son Duane and daughter-in-law Kathleen (who loved cutting her hair for over 50 years).

Ruby last traveled in 2014 to Northern California to Grandson Matthew's wedding to Stephanie.

Her health started to decline in December 2015 when she needed surgery. Soon she moved into the lovely West Covina Healthcare Center.

Ruby passed away January 2, 2019, leaving the world a better place than she found it. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Ruby Chapman was truly blessed. To know Ruby was to love her!

Ruby's favorite verse was Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all they ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

ruby was a much loved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, great great grandmother and friend. She will be missed. We are so thankful that we will see her again in her Heavenly home..

Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Glendale, California. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to her favorite charity, Holbrook Indian School or a charity of your choice.