Ruby Lorane (Stekley) Flaig, 100, passed away at her daughter's home on Friday, March 22nd, 2024, with her daughter by her side.

Ruby was born April 10th, 1923, in Geddes, SD to Frank and Anna (Teply) Stekley. She was the oldest of two girls. She grew up in a small farmhouse and attended a one room country school. She walked or rode her pony to school and was joined by her sister Mary Ann. During the winter they rode to school in a buggy or a sleigh pulled by a horse.

Ruby attended Geddes High School, was a band member, and worked part time at the local post office. During this time period, mail was tossed in a locked bag from the nightly train as it sped through town. Ruby graduated in May 1941. She was Miss Geddes in 1942.

The following summer, Ruby and a friend went to Sioux City, Iowa. They worked for Wincharger Corp. Defense Plant manufacturing airplane parts for the War. Her pay was 25 cents per hour. Ruby attended a business college in Sioux City, Iowa and the University of Nebraska. During her college years, she was chosen to sing in the 1500 voice choir that presented The Messiah.

Ruby met the love of her life, Harold, on a short bus trip while traveling home for Thanksgiving. Ruby offered to share an apple with him and thus began their lifelong friendship. Harold and Ruby were married on June 26th, 1949, at the Congregational Church in Yankton, SD They were married for 59 ½ years. Their first home was in Wagner. They relocated to Rapid City in 1957.

In 1961, their son Jerry was born. Their daughter Julie was born in 1964. Ruby worked for Rapid City National Bank for 18 years. She also helped Harold with the bookwork for Flaig Construction.

From 1986 to 2006, Harold and Ruby spent their winters in Apache Junction, AZ. Here they made new friends, enjoyed playing cards and golfing. They loved spending winters in Arizona and their summers at Hart Ranch in Rapid City.

After losing Harold in 2008, Ruby continued to live in her apartment in Rapid City until 2017, when she encountered some health problems and could no longer live alone. In February of 2017, she moved to her daughter's home for her family to care for her.

She enjoyed helping Julie during garden time, reading, folding towels, and sitting out on the back deck in the sunshine. She loved watching the kids play in the backyard, and visits with friends on the deck. Another highlight was talking to Jerry on the phone about news and sports.

Ruby was a life member of the VFW Aux Post 1273, a member of the Canyon Lake Methodist Church and Canyon Lake Senior Center. She also attended Hills View Church with Julie's family and watched services online when she was able to.

Grateful for having shared in Ruby's life are her son Jerry Flaig and grandson Brady Flaig, her daughter Julie Bertsch (Steve Bertsch), grandchildren Merissa Alink (David Alink), Miranda Kruse (Matt Kruse), Kyle Bertsch (Shelby Bertsch), and Jenny Bertsch. Ruby also has 7 great-grandchildren that she loved having by her side over the past 12 years: Jacob, Josiah, and Josie Alink, Kylee, Cole, Jace, and Ivy Kruse.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Flaig (2008), sister Mary Ann (2015), and her parents.

Correspondence may be sent to 13766 Country West Place, Piedmont, SD 57769. Memorials will be made in her honor to Hospice and Hills View Church.

Services will be held at Hills View Evangelical Church in Piedmont on Thursday, March 28th. Visitation will be at 10am, followed by the service at 11am. There will be a luncheon served after the service with burial to follow at the National Cemetery in Sturgis at 1:30pm. A friends and family fellowship time will follow at the church.