Davis celebrates 100 years of memories

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July 24, 2014 - 12:00 AM

Ruby Davis has lived in the same house in Iola since 1956, and it is filled with a century’s worth of artifacts. Davis turned 100 on Wednesday.
What’s the most important thing in her house? Is it the table in her living room — the first piece of furniture she and her first husband bought together? Is it her collection of salt-and-pepper shakers or teddy bears? Is it her beautiful handmade quilts? The diary she’s kept for the last 10 years?
If Davis had to rush out of her house and could only save one thing, it would be her photo album. It starts with a calendar from her birth in 1914 and a photo of her childhood home and follows the chronology of her life.
“And I’ll add something this year,” she said, probably from her birthday party on Saturday.
Davis was born and raised on a farm 10 miles west of Colony. Her parents were Wiley and Bertha Rogers, hard-working farmers who tended sheep, hogs, cattle, corn fields and a large vegetable garden. Davis would help her mother can vegetables and play with her brothers, Donald and Warren.
“My older brother was pretty protective of me,” she said. “He was wonderful. They both were, but I think I was closer to my older brother because he looked out for me.”
Davis graduated from Colony High 81 years ago. She has fond memories of the teachers who inspired her, namely Irma O’Dell in eighth grade and her high school home economics teacher, Mrs. Drew, who taught her how to sew using newspapers to make patterns. For many years afterward, Davis made her own clothing.
She fell in love with William Moore, a truck driver who grew up around Kincaid. After they got married and she became pregnant with their son, Bill, they moved to a farm for about 10 years. They moved to Colorado for one year, where William tried working at an alfalfa dehydrating plant, but the dust was too much for him, so they returned to Kansas and he worked in insurance until his death in 1983.
“He was a good provider and a wonderful husband. Couldn’t ask for a better one,” she said. “We had 42 happy years together.”
She later met her second husband, Clyde Davis, through his sister. Clyde worked at a brick plant in Humboldt, and they were happily married for 19 years until his death. What Davis remembers most about Clyde was all the traveling they did together. Davis has been to all 50 states and has a cup and plate from each one. Vermont is the prettiest place she’s been to, she said, especially in autumn when the leaves change color.
“But Kansas is great,” she added. “It’s always great to come back.”
B. Ellen Smith, Iola, has known Davis for many years through church and the Hospital Auxiliary. Davis, she says, is her hero.
“She’s one of those people that makes you feel better being around her. Always smiling,” Smith said.
According to Smith, Davis is reliable with nary a complaint. She has been known to volunteer for six-hour shifts during blood drives, welcoming people and taking their ID to help process them. Whenever asked if she needs a break, she would decline.
“She’s just a sweet lady,” Smith said.
Family and friends have put together a special celebration Saturday at Calvary United Methodist Church, 118 W. Jackson Ave., from 2 to 4:30 p.m. All friends and family are welcome to attend, but no gifts, please.
“I’ve had a lot of happiness in my life,” Davis said. “I enjoy life and being around people, and I always try to see the bright side.”

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