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1939 Ruby 2023

Ruby Marie Harris

February 2, 1939 — September 23, 2023

Ruby was born in Shreveport Louisiana on Ground Hog Day in 1939. She was the fourth of five children born to John Wesley Ellis and Leola White Ellis. It was during World War 2 and in 1943, the family left the South and moved to Los Angeles in search of a better life. They eventually settled in San Pedro and resided in the Harbor area for many years.

Ruby graduated from San Pedro High School and Harbor Jr. College. She soon began a long and distinguished career with the U.S. Government, working at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo for 34 years. After retiring in 1994, she worked in Los Angeles at the Foundation for the Jr. Blind for nine years.

Ruby met and married Eugene Harris in 1965. Together they had two sons, Top (Eugene Jr.) and Jeffrey. She was a loving mother and grandmother, and also a friend, confidante, counselor, teacher and landlady to her kids and many of their friends. Her house was always open to those trying to find their way in life. They paid her back by being loyal, trustworthy, and helpful, and by staying out of trouble and leading productive lives.

Ruby enjoyed life to the fullest and took pride in keeping active both mentally and physically. She enjoyed watching Jeopardy and doing crossword puzzles. Ruby loved football and will be remembered as a die-hard member of Raider Nation, passionately following the team from Oakland to Los Angeles, back to Oakland and finally to Las Vegas. She especially enjoyed travelling with family and friends to attend games in cities around the country. She was an active member of the Greater Los Angeles Raiders Booster Club and subsequently the Oakland Raiders Booster Club. Ruby was also devoted to USC Trojan football and rarely missed their games on TV. Her other passion was playing the popular card game Bid Whist. She spent many years as a dedicated member of several Bid Whist clubs, to name a few: Black Spades Sorority, Twelve Play, Whist Connection, Chocolate Diamonds and Sunday ShoDown. She also played regularly in tournaments and with other clubs around town. Ruby loved Blues and Jazz and spent many years volunteering at radio station KKJZ (FM88.1). She was a member of the Southern California Blues Society and the Los Angeles Jazz Society.

Ruby was secretary of the Dominguez Hills Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE). For many years she was also secretary of the San Pedro Committee, a social club that was organized for the purpose of reconnecting families and individuals who grew up in San Pedro. She was also a member of the 2nd Time Around Seniors Club. In later years, she became active at the California Pool of Hope in Long Beach where she participated in water aerobics on a daily basis. Ruby was a member of Glory Christian Fellowship International (GCFI) under the tutelage of her cousin, Pastor Alton Trimble.

Ruby departed this life on September 23, 2023 at her home in Carson. She was preceded in death by Eugene Sr., her parents; sisters Ruth L. and Rosetta; brothers Buster and Johnny, and her beloved grandson Dennis. She is survived by her sons Top and Jeffrey, her P.I.C. Stephanie; grandchildren Desiré, Ryan, Deja (fiancé Anthony); and great grandchildren Lauryn, Luna, and Ezekiel. She also leaves bonus grandchildren Richard and Jeanette, as well as a host of blended and extended grands, great grands, and in-laws (“you all know who you are”) that fondly embraced her as their “Grammy”. Ruby accepted her role as family matriarch. Her legacy of love, laughter, wit and wisdom will be cherished by several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and many others who loved her as Grammy or Ruby4Sho.
To send flowers to the family in memory of Ruby Marie Harris, please visit our flower store.

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Monday, October 9, 2023

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Tuesday, October 10, 2023

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