By Darrel Wheeler, Contributing Writer
On the 22nd of January family and friends of Ruby Wheeler Ford got together at the Sweetwater Women’s Club for a very special celebration-appreciation party. The special celebration was a surprise 95th birthday party for Ruby, the family matriarch.
Ruby, retired school teacher, born in 1931 in Orange Port, Louisiana during the time when a new car cost $640 and the same year as the birth of Academy Award-winning actor James Earl Jones, Hall of Fame baseball slugger, Ernie Banks, and R&B Legend, Sam Cook to name a few.
“Aunt Ruby is a superstar and we love her so much. She has always been the staple in the family,” shared niece Cheryl Wheeler from Dallas, TX.
“I had to be here for her surprise party to see that look on her face when she saw everybody. That was so priceless. Anything I can do for her, consider it done, because she has always been there for me and my siblings and so many people.”
The big surprise caught the birthday girl by surprise. “I had no idea”, said Ruby, the shocked Aquarius.
The party attendees were treated to a catered BBQ Buffet feast provided by Bowlegged and IQ BBQ.
They played Bingo, card games, and a room full of hugs, gifts and shared memories, a special video presentation from family members that couldn’t be there, and lots of laughs.
Ruby got the royal treatment all night, that special treatment often bringing her to tears. “Thank you, I really appreciate everyone for showing up tonight. Thank you, and I love you,” said Ruby.
Family came from New York, Arizona, Louisiana, Texas and the Bay Area to party with Ruby the rock star.
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