Rubye Mae Van Gieson was born Oct 1 1936 in Anthony, Kansas to Frank and Florence "Nellie" (Wells) Cummins. Rubye lived most of her life in the Harper county area before moving to Wichita, Kansas, where she lived until her death on November 27th. Mom graduated from Harper High School in 1954 and was married to Cameron Van Gieson on May 16, 1953. To this union, 2 sons and 2 daughters were born: David Eugene (deceased), Amy Jo, Dean Cordon, and Angela Rose. Cameron and Rubye later divorced but remained on good terms till his death in 2014.

Rubye worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Harper as a switchboard operator, later ending her career as a Fraud Investigator for the company in Wichita.

Rubye was especially proud of the fact she owned a home of her own, something she cherished decorating and having family holiday meals. On a Sunday you could stop by and smell a pot roast cooking, enjoy a meal with her, and reminisce over family stories.

Rubye loved spending time going to garage and estate sales with David and the two were always coming home with some interesting item. Up until David's death on May 25 2001, they spent many nights and days together with Rubye taking care of him up till his passing.

Rubye also enjoyed raising her granddaughter Tierra and was always looking out for her best interests. In 2014, ill health forced mom to sell her place and live in an apartment until moving to Grassland Estates. She enjoyed a short year there before falling and breaking a leg and then a hip. After that she wasn't able to stay by herself, so she moved to Clearwater Nursing Home until her death on Sunday Nov 27th.

Mom was also looking out for her family and never turned them away when help was needed. To the end she worried about her family.

Rubye leaves behind daughters, Amy Hartman and Angela Van Gieson and son Dean Van Gieson, all of Wichita; granddaughters Stephanie Hartman and Tierra Van Gieson of Wichita; great-grandson Westen Lee of Wichita; a kind and caring friend Shirley Hooper of Wichita; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a host of friends.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Harper.

Graveside Service will be at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, December 1, 2016 at the Argonia Cemetery with Pastor Ed Hughlett officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Clearwater Nursing Home and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th ~ Harper, Kansas 67058 is in charge of the arrangements.