Ruby Cemetery

Ruby Cemetery is located at 71st Street South and 151st. This quiet and secluded cemetery dates back to the early 1900s. This cemetery is also part of the Clearwater Cemetery District. 

The story goes that two families came from Illinois to settle in the area. A child of one of the families dies and the wife of the other family died soon after. They were both buried at the present cemetery site which was thought to be part of the woman’s land. The husband, whose wife died, named the burial ground Ruby, after her, according to Mary McLaughlin Carter of that area. The last name of this family seems to have been forgotten and there are no stones for these graves. Many other pioneers on their way west are buried there, according to Jennie Struthers Williamson.

The deed of the cemetery was recorded February 21, 1881, according to the 1961 Clearwater history book. An early gravestone that can be legibly read is that of Jessie Irene Struthers, who died at the age of 4 years on December 26, 1876. She was the daughter of E.S. and J.A. Struthers, who died July 27, 1879. She was a former teacher in the Weston school southeast of the cemetery.

Charlie Weston, son of T. and M.W. West, died January 5, 1876. He was one of many children who died in the early days from childhood diseases, which people are vaccinated from today. Other early burials were Mary McLaughlin, wife of J. B. McLaughlin, 1892; J. M. Long, 1878, Miles G. Woodard, 1878; Samuel L. Kincaid, 1885; Flora Barney, 1880; Martha A. Barney, 1881; Joey C. Britton, 1883; William Shannon, 1880; Luke Stamp, 1881; and Jefferson Stump, 1885.

Some graves were moved to the Clearwater cemetery and other places. Other pioneer names included Von Rospack, J.P. Morrison, Carlon, Crossley, Pease, Johnosn, Bissell, Cook, Sandusky, Wise, Wilbur, Brown, Mounts, Robinson, Barnett, Likely, Donnell, Hope, McGovney, Phillips and Bacon.

It is maintained by the Clearwater Cemetery District as of June 11, 1943.

If you have questions or inquiries regarding this cemetery or lots within the cemetery, please call 620-584-2311.