Ruby M. (McKain) Baskins,102, of North Platte, departed this life on September 2, 2014.
Ruby was born on the family homestead seven miles southwest of North Platte on March 9, 1912 to George and Mary (Long) McKain. Ruby was the youngest of eleven children. The family moved to town in 1921. Ruby graduated from North Platte High School in 1930. She later attended the University of Wyoming at Laramie.
In high school, Ruby served as Junior and Senior Class secretary-treasurer, Devotional Leader of Girl Reserves and had the lead in her Junior and Senior Class Plays. Ruby was elected to the National Honor Society (the first year it was implemented in North Platte). During her senior year, Ruby worked part time in the principal’s office for which she received typing credit. Following graduation, she was hired full time and worked as Secretary to the NPHS Principal for five years.
In 1945 Ruby moved to Los Angeles, CA and worked as Secretary for the New Hampshire Fire Insurance Company for two years. Ruby returned to North Platte to take care of her mother when she became very ill. Back in North Platte, Ruby was Secretary in the State Agent’s office of the North British and Mercantile Insurance Company for several years.
Soon after returning to North Platte, Ruby began dating her future husband, Charles W. Baskins, and three years later they exchanged wedding vows in Estes Park, CO. Ruby and Charlie enjoyed and traveling and took road trips to the Grand Canyon, New Orleans, LA, San Francisco and Las Vegas. They also took train trips to Chicago and Washington, DC.
Ruby was President of National Honor Society in North Platte for several years. For 35 years she conducted the annual NHS initiation ceremony for new members.
Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Charles W. Baskins, her parents and her ten siblings.
Survivors include her daughter, Carla Huffman, her grandson, Jared Charles Baskins, and numerous extended family members and friends. In the last year of her life, Ruby renewed old friendships and made many new friends while she lived at Linden Court. She called Linden Court home and counted the staff as some of her very best friends.
Memorials are suggested to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Graveside services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, September 5, 2014 at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Ruby’s casket will be closed. Those wishing to sign Ruby’s memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.