Ruby Jean (Roloff) Simek

Obituary Ruby Jean (Roloff) Simek Ruby Jean (Roloff) Simek was born January 26, 1923 in Ralston, WA. She died peacefully, surrounded by family, on November 28, 2015 at St. Anthony's Hospital in Gig Harbor, WA. Ruby was the oldest daughter of Daniel and Amelia (Grams) Roloff of Ritzville, WA. She graduated from Ritzville High School in 1941 and attended Central Washington State College. Ruby also completed a course in telegraphy in Spokane, WA and worked for the railroads during World War II. She later worked in Seattle and Richland, WA at the Hanford Nuclear Research Facility and at Columbia High School as an administrative assistant. Ruby married John Simek on May 25, 1947 at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Chicago, IL. They settled in Richland, WA where they raised four children and were actively involved at Christ the King Catholic parish. Ruby played organ there and was a member of the Altar Society. After her retirement from Columbia High School, they moved to Kennewick, WA where they were active members of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Ruby was a member of the choir there. In 1995, Ruby and John moved to Gig Harbor, Washington to be closer to family. They were married for 65 years when John died in 2012. Ruby was a loving Mother and Grandmother to her four children and nine grandchildren. Children include: Christine Peterson (husband Greg), Matthew (wife Teresa - preceded in death), Michael (wife Kathleen), and Raymond. Grandchildren include: Mark (preceded in death), Sarah, Donald, Erica, Brian, Jennifer, Jason, Juli-Anna, and Amelia. She is also survived by her sister, Velma (Roloff) Reynolds and was preceded in death by two brothers, Arthur and Edwin. All cherish the depth of her Catholic Christian faith; her immense love of family; and, the joy that both brought to her and the lives of all she touched. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 18, 2015 at 11:00am at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Gig Harbor. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.