Ruby Lea Alford

Ruby Lea Alford, 91, of Topeka, formerly of Peru, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2022.

She was born October 2, 1931, in Osage County, Oklahoma, the daughter of Elim and Josephine Wright (Fox) Darnall. She graduated from Peru High School in 1949.

Ruby was a cashier at Floyd's Supermarket in Sedan, where she worked with four generations of the Floyd family, taking a leave of absence in 2003 to care for her husband, Leonard. She and Roger are still negotiating her retirement date.

She was a lifetime member of Peru United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, EHU member, and as a Brownie leader while her daughters were in girl scouts.

Ruby married Charles Leonard (Punkin) Alford on November 23, 1950 in Dearing, Kansas. He preceded her in death on December 22, 2007. Survivors include her children, Cheryl McMillan, Charles W. Alford, Myrta Billings, and Dawna Alford; sister, Nedra Holroyd; 10 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, infant son, William Alford, and siblings, Elizabeth V. Ringle, Charles B. Darnall, Walter E. Darnall, Omer F. Darnall, Comer R. Darnall, Twila J. Boyer, Elwin G. Darnall, and Philip E. Darnall.

Ruby enjoyed collecting proud, colorful Roosters, reading, cooking, completing the Reader's Digest Word Power, and listening to Paul Harvey while she enjoyed her lunch at the Park. She always had a smile on her face and a cat on her lap. Ruby cherished spending time with her family and spoiling her grandkids.

Visitation will begin at 12 noon Saturday, December 17, 2022, with funeral service to follow at 1 pm at Sedan United Methodist Church. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chautauqua County Animal Shelter, 921 Hwy 99, Sedan, KS 67361 or Peru Educational Scholarship Fund in care of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604.

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