Ruby Rawn Lefebvre was born on Thursday, May 1, 1947, in Walkerton to proud parents Herbert and Emcley (Brodie) Rawn. She was the youngest of three children and joined older brothers Harold and Bruce.
As a young woman, Ruby met a young man by the name of Russell Hebert Rawn. In time they were married and soon welcomed their son Jeffrey Russell. The year was 1969. The Rawn family resided on a farm near Bognor where Ruby worked hard alongside her husband. In addition to her daily chores, Ruby often fed the cattle and helped with a variety of farm work. Together with Jeff, the two even spent time picking apples together. Sadly, Russell died in an automobile accident in 1986 and Ruby’s world was turned upside down.
Ruby soon ventured north and settled for a short period of time in North Bay. Here she was introduced to a man by the name of Bernard Joseph Lefebvre. In the months ahead their relationship flourished, and they were soon married. In 1989, together they welcomed their son Josh and soon relocated to Chesley to be closer to Ruby’s family.
Ruby quickly made Chesley home, settling into the community. She enjoyed helping wherever she could, and that she did. In time she became active in the Presbyterian Church, eventually becoming caretaker, and was well known as Chesley’s best newspaper deliverer for many years. Ruby could be found many days roaming the streets of Chesley with paper in hand, never stopping until the work was done. She never complained, and always took great satisfaction in completing the task at hand. Although fiercely independent, Ruby enjoyed being around others and always appreciated the little things in life. Many summer evenings, together with Bernie, they could be found sitting on their porch, visiting with neighbours, taking in the beautiful weather and surroundings.
Ruby loved her family dearly and would do anything to help and support them. She enjoyed visits to London to see Jeff, Dana, and Rebecca. There were also many day trips and summer adventures, whereby many happy memories were made. Like most of us, however, Ruby liked routine and was most comfortable in the familiar surroundings of Chesley and home.
It was only in recent weeks that Ruby decided to give up her paper routes… at the age of 75! Although slowing down no one expected her sudden stroke. She was hospitalized, but sadly her condition didn’t improve, and Ruby passed away on Wednesday, September 28, 2022. I can speak for our community when I say her smiling, warm face will be dearly missed!
Beloved wife of Bernie. Loving mother of Jeff Rawn and his wife Dana of London and Josh Lefebvre of Chesley. Cherished grandmother of Rebecca. Ruby will be fondly remembered by her brother Harold Rawn of Listowel. She was predeceased by her husband Russell Rawn, brother Bruce (Betty) Rawn, and sister-in-law Irene Rawn.
A casual memorial visitation honouring Ruby’s life will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home on Friday, October 7, 2022, from 5 – 7 p.m. All are welcome!
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
We were so saddened to hear the news about Ruby. Such a happy and caring individual. She was very popular with the Grocery Store staff, all who loved waiting on her and Bernie. Our deepest condolences to Ruby’s entire family
Our sincere sympathy to the family. Ruby was always so cheerful and a joy to speak with. She will be missed by the whole community. Cherish your wonderful memories
My deepest condolences
My condolences to Bernie Josh and Jeff. I remember The visits Ruby came to visit my Grandma Hazel Brown and my mom Margaret a long with my Grandmas sister Aunt Em. I love aunt Em she was always so energetic on the go ready to play boxing with you lol. She would have her dukes up ready to go playing with us kids. We were always great full Ruby bringing her Mom to see us it was a long drive we all lived in Collingwood. Ruby and Bernie are great family and I’m very saddened to hear of her passing. I can hear her saying Hello Betty-Joe when she would arrive. I’m sending love and lots of hugs to the family and friends ❤️
Love
Betty-Joe Attwater-Churchley
B.J
My deepest condolences to you Bernie, Josh, Jeff and family. I remember when you would visit Mom and Dad in Chesley. The music was just one of the fondest memories when I was young. Loved the laughs we all had. ❤️ Our heartfelt sympathy.
Sincere sympathy on the sudden passing of a beautiful lady. Ruby always had a smile on her face and a cheerful hello. She will be missed by so many. Ruby was a great paper lady making sure everyone got their newspaper.
Rest in Peace sweet Ruby,
Sincerely, Sherry Caldwell
Our condolences to Bernie, Josh and all of Ruby’s family. She was a very joyful person, always smiling, and always such a positive outlook! We will miss our weekly chats with her.
Ruby was such a joy serving the church and community in Chesley. Our deepest sympathy to Bernie, Josh and family.
Sending Ruby’s Family my deepest sympathies. She was such a kind woman. Always with a smile and always on the look-out for the Littles when driving her route. May your memories be a blessing.
Bernie, Josh, Jeff and families, we are deeply saddened to hear of Ruby. We will miss our little chats with you & Bernie while delivering our paper.
Ruby will be missed so much by all who knew her smile !
RIP Ruby
Sending our deepest sympathies
Robert & Pam Bell
Jeff, Dana, Rebecca, Josh and Bernie. So sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady.
So sorry for your loss Bernie and Josh. We will remember Ruby for her kindness and thoughtfulness . We will miss her . Our thoughts and prayers are with you . Our family sends our deepest sympathy. 💕💕
Ruby always had a complete Heart of Gold she will be completely missed by all my heart goes out to her husband and her children
Jeff, Dana,Rebecca. Bernie & Josh. So sorry for your loss of Ruby. Always kind. Cheerful and happy. She’ll be missed
Very sorry for your lose .. Ruby was such a sweetheart and will miss her coming into the store delivering flyers . RIP Ruby.
Bernie, Josh, Jeff and Family our Deepest Condolences to all of you. Ruby was a very kind, caring and Loving Lady. May she Rest In Peace
Hugs to all
We are so sorry for your loss. Ruby, was always such a wonderful neighbour. Our little street will not be the same without your smiles and your kind nature. Our condolences to Bernie and the rest of your lovely family.
We are sad to see you go… you were a great friend to both of us and we will miss your smiling face…
Ruby… loved towers and lived to chat any chance she could get. A wonderful lady with a big heart of gold. Sympathy to the family she will be missed greatly around the town of Chesley RIP Ruby
Ruby had a heart of gold . So going to be miss a lot by alot in town . Our condolences to whole family. Rip Ruby . Thank you for being the best paper lady ever .
My deepest condolences
My condolences to the Lefebvre family. She was always a cheerful, loving woman and a wonderful neighbour. I shall miss her very much.
Sympathy and prayers to Ruby’s family.It was always a pleasure to talk to Ruby when delivering the paper.She was such a kind hearted individual.She will be missed by many.
Deepest sympathy to the family. Ruby delivered the post to my house for many years and i enjoyed our little chats.
Dear Loving Grama Ruby,
I want to start off saying I love and miss you very much. Your kind heart always welcomed new people you met. You were the best Grandma we always played, did crafts together, listened to music (country), watched shows, baked food for thanksgiving and Christmas. We went on long walks such as to Tobermory. You were a fun and loving grandma that was always so happy to hear all of the things that I did in my life.
You were taken from me too early and we had so many more fun memories to make.
If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I would walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again.
I will cherish you forever in my heart and I know you will too.
Love your Granddaughter,
Rebecca Rawn
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of my dear cousin Ruby. You were always a delightful addition to every gathering with your smiling eyes and beautiful smile. Rest in peace Ruby, you have worked hard in this life and were a blessing to those you loved.
So sorry to hear about Ruby. God’s Love Kate Charlton
Bernie and Josh my thoughts and prayers are with you. Geneva will certainly miss Ruby’s cheerful greetings.
Bernie, Josh and family. We were very sorry to hear of Ruby’s passing. She will be missed on
3rd Ave SW! Hold on to your memories!
In friendship
Dale and Carole Woods
Dear Bernie and Josh
Our deepest condolences to you, her sunny smile and willing helpful hands will be missed by all. We would like to express our thanks for her many years of being the caretaker of Geneva Presbyterian Church. And saving the “The Post” for us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Ron and Linda Thomson