A Ruby of a gal turns 90 in Ivy
By Chris Simon

Photo by Chris Simon Essa Township resident Ruby Smith, right, talks to friends during her 90th birthday celebration at Christ Church St. Jude's in Ivy Saturday. Ruby has spent nearly her entire life in the Ivy area.

A lifetime on the farm has helped Ruby Smith achieve long life and happiness.

The Essa Township resident has spent most of her life in the Ivy area. During that time, she's laboured on her parent's farm, toiling in large crop fields and milking cows. In 1939, after marrying her husband, the couple purchased a farm and did much of the same for the next few decades.

"I used to do hard work on the farm," said Ruby smiling. "I worked out in the fields, milked the cows and all the rest of it."

Now 90 years old, Ruby no longer works hard on the farm. Instead, she's turned her attention to baking pies for friends, neighbours and family members. Her lemon pie is considered mouthwatering by family, a sign of Ruby's craftsmanship and dedication.

On Saturday, Ruby's friends and family packed the basement at Christ Church St. Jude's in Ivy, to celebrate her 90th birthday. A pile of cards built up in front of Ruby, while a guestbook was filled with names. Line-ups even formed in front of Ruby, with guests cramming to hug and kiss her.

"I've got lots of friends," she said. "Get-togethers at Christmas time, and birthdays (are fond memories of mine)."

Ruby's daughter Mary Elliott was pleased with the turnout.

"She uses a walker, but she's still able to look after herself and her great grandkids," said Mary, after preparing sandwiches, vegetable and cheese platters for guests. "She still bakes and makes pies, lemon is her specialty. She does it for the neighbours, they help her and then she'll make pies."

Ruby has several fond memories of Christmas with family. Ruby, her two daughters, Mary and Myrna Baker, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren still gather for special occasions.

And Ruby still does much of the baking.

"We have our family Christmas right to this day," said Mary. "We still have it at her place, I make the turkey but she gets all the stuff ready."