Ruby C. (Kearns) Spicer

Ruby Clay (Kearns) Spicer, age 97, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Thursday October 4, 2018.  Her husband, Donald O. Spicer, preceded her in death.  She is survived by her daughter, Sue Elliott; her son, Steve (Ingrid Mannisto) Spicer; mother of her grandchildren, Janell Spicer; her grandchildren, Daniel Spicer and Sandi (Jeff) Pfaller; and her great-grandchildren, Miles, Mayse and Ruby Pfaller.  Ruby was born on December 5, 1920 in Cynthiana, Kentucky, the fifth out of eight children.  She grew up on a farm in Indiana.  She credited this upbringing to her learning early about work and responsibility.  On the farm she established her love of sunshine, squirrels, rabbits, mushrooms, barns, cows and chickens.  She never believed that anything could not be done.  She gave her children excellent values, a keen sense of independence and justice.  When the family moved to Michigan (first to East Grand Rapids and later to Ada), she began her real estate career.  She established an all-female division called the Ladybug Division; and later went on to be the co-owner, along with Harriett Runnells, of Village Belles Real Estate Inc., an all-female real estate company.  She loved her real estate clients and customers; and enjoyed giving them her best.  She hated deceit, corruption and dishonesty.  She credited her longevity to her love of Coca-Cola and chocolates.  Her services will be private.  Memorial contributions can be made to Clark Foundation, 1551 Franklin Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506; to First United Methodist Church, 227 East Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49503; or to Emmanuel Hospice, 2161 Leonard Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.

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