Ruby Ruth Stanley

Ruby Ruth Stanley, born on May 26, 1934, in Flint, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, at Comfort Care Assisted Living in Mt. Pleasant. She was 92. She was a cherished mother, wife, grandmother, sister, and friend, whose warmth and compassion touched all who knew her.

Her parents were Clarence and Elizabeth (Watson) Vinton. They had 13 children: Thelma, Donna, John "Jack", Elmer "Lawrence", Carl, Ruby, Clarence, twins, Waneta and Boneta, Evelyn, Norman, Katherine, and Jim.

Ruby’s journey began in Flint, where her early life helped shape the strength and caring nature for which she came to be known. Throughout her 92 years, Ruby exemplified unwavering devotion to her family, friends, and community. Her legacy is defined not only by her enduring spirit but also by the love and support she provided to so many.

She graduated from Barryton High in 1953. In that same year, she married Donald Stanley on November 21, at Barryton Methodist Church. She began working as a social worker for the State Home in Mt. Pleasant in 1959 where she worked for many years. She transferred to Newberry State Hospital from which she retired in 1980.

Some of her favorite pastimes were reading inspirational non-fiction and medical publications, crocheting, playing cards, and above all visiting anyone with whom she crossed paths. Ruby was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary American Legion in Hulbert Post 393 where she served as President, Vice President, Secretary, Historian, and on the Board of Directors. She also served as President of the Hulbert Heritage Days and Turkey Festival, she was the secretary of the Hulbert Recreation program, a member of the Eagles Club in Lake, served as a Grand Noble of the Clara Rebekah Lodge 167 in Clare, a hospice volunteer in mid Michigan.

One of her favorite quotes when someone was leaving was, "Take your time going, and hurry back." She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered.

Ruby is lovingly remembered by her children, Ronald Stanley of Detroit, Michael "Mick" Stanley of Mt. Pleasant, Martin "Marty" Stanley of Clare, Richard "Rick" (Eleanor) Stanley of Mecosta, Sheryl "Sherry" Dinkens of Caro, and Wendy (Ryan) Irland of Weidman; grandchildren, Cassie Bridges and Donovan "Donnie" (Kylie) Stanley, Stacey (Dominic) DeCarlo and Erica (Quinn) Haley, Jaime (Brandon) Fair and Kayla Dehoff, and Zander Irland and Zachary Irland; 10 great grandchildren; siblings, Evelyn Kent, Boneta Hubbard, Katherine (Larry) Fussman, and Jim Vinton; sisters-in-law, MaryAnn Vinton and Diane Vinton-Rastal; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald Stanley; infant daughter, Donise; daughter, Sheila Stanley; daughter-in-law, Pamela Stanley; and siblings, Thelma Vinton, Donna Ridley, Jack Vinton, Lawrence Vinton, Carl Vinton, Clarence Vinton, Waneta Vinton, and Norman Vinton.

To honor Ruby’s remarkable life, her funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 26, at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home with Father Jim Bessert officiating. A luncheon will follow at Lincoln Reception Center (attached to the funeral home). The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. and on Friday one hour before the service. She will be laid to rest in North Brinton Cemetery in Isabella County's Coldwater Township.

Memorial contributions may be made to MyMichigan Hospice.

The family gives a special heartfelt thank you to her sister, Kathy and niece, Donna Bell for all their love and support and to the MyMichigan Hospice Staff, especially Holly.