Ruby Anderson

Ruby Posz-Anderson, 101, died December 31, 2008 at Mission Arch Care Center. A memorial service, officiated by Harvey Dove at the Santa Fe National Cemetery January 5, 2009 at 2:30 pm. Her cremains will be interred with her first husband, Lt. Col. (Ret) Joseph A. Posz at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Ruby was born Sept. 15, 1907, in Aberdeen, S.D.., to T.H. and Julia Moen, both now deceased. Most of her early childhood was spent in Las Vegas, N. Mex., where she attended New Mexico Normal University, now New Mexico Highlands University. She came to Roswell in 1926, where she was employed as a stenographer with the New Mexico Highway Department. In 1930 she was crowned Queen of the eighth annual Chaves County Cotton Carnival at the Battery A Armory in Roswell. The Cotton Carnival is now the Eastern New Mexico State Fair. On May 29, 1931, she married Joseph A. Posz, then a TAC officer at NMMI. That same year she began work in the NMMI Post Exchange. Her close association with cadets and her love for NMMI led to the dedication of the 1937 "Bronco" yearbook to her as "the dearest little lady on the Hill." Ruby and Joe both retired from NMMI in 1967. Ruby was made an honorary life member of the NMMI Alumni Association. On Oct. 20, 1989, she was inducted into the NMMI Alumni Hall of Fame. She was the first female to be so honored. Upon her retirement from NMMI, Ruby enjoyed vacationing on ocean cruises. She travelled by this means to many parts of the world with friends and with organized groups. In 1980, following Joe's death in 1977, she married widower Col. (Ret) Chester A. Anderson, a former math instructor at NMMI. Col. Anderson died in 1987. Over the years Ruby belonged to many organizations such as the Daughters of the Nile, the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Assistance League of Chaves County. She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church. Ruby is proceeded in death by her son, Joseph D. Posz. She is survived by his wife, Nancy, of Roswell, and daughter, Cathryn Marie Johnson and her husband David, of Dallas Tex. Also surviving her are her five grandchildren, Joseph T. Posz, Julie Spangler, John Posz, Jeffery Johnson, and Steven Johnson. In addition, nine great-grandchildren survive her, Harley Spangler, Cody Spangler, Jennifer Johnson, Jessica Johnson, Darrah Torres, Derrick Torres, Michele Posz, Jennifer Posz, and Sarah Shoemaker. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Shrine Hospital for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 or e-mail donorrelations@shrinenet.org. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home & Crematory.

Ruby Anderson

September 15, 1907 - December 31, 2008