Ruby Jean Isley 90, of Polo passed away at Polo Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
She was born November 26, 1928, in Newton, Illinois, the daughter of O. Glenn and Beulah Scherer Isley.
Ruby graduated from Polo Community High School in 1946 and entered Northern Illinois University. She worked at Kable News in Mt. Morris before entering the Women’s Army Corp in 1952. She was a veteran of the Korean Conflict.
She was part of the 14th Army WAC Band for several years. She marched in Inaugural parades, gave concerts, and was even a part of a movie. Eventually she held a job at the Pentagon in Washington D. C. which led her to work with IBM machines.
When she left the service in the late 1950s, her IBM work led her to Chicago area and Graybar Electric until her retirement. During her retirement she lived in Sterling where she was president of Whiteside County Genealogists. At this time she researched and wrote a book on the Isley Family.
Her organizing of the Isley Family Reunions, Halloween and Christmas entertaining will never be forgotten by all. She moved back to Polo in 2014 and was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.
She is survived by a sister, Betty (Kenneth) Obendorf of Polo, one brother, David (Rebecca) Isley of Evansville, Indiana and many nieces and nephews. Ruby was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, George Edward Isley.
Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019 at the Polo Family Funeral Home, 110 E. Dixon St., with services at 10:30. Burial will be immediately following at Fairmount Cemetery in Polo.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the many health care providers who touched her life. A special thank you to Polo Rehabilitation and Health Care Center for their compassionate care.
A memorial has been established to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.
Condolences may also be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com
