Ruby Faye Strain Mullendore, 83, passed away on Nov. 11, 2021, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Ruby was born Dec. 10 to Elizabeth and Harold Strain in Laramie, Wyo. Growing up with her two brothers, Boyd and Jack, the family moved to Newcastle after Ruby completed fifth grade.
In Newcastle, Ruby graduated 1955 from NHS and had her first job as an usherette at the Dogie Theater. On Feb. 12, 1956, Ruby married the love of her life, Maury Mullen- dore, at First United Methodist Church. The couple later moved to Jackson Hole, Wyo., where they had their first two children, Gary and Gail.
Moving back to Newcastle, Maury and Ruby continued to build their family, adding two more sons, Glen and Guy. In 1969, the family of six moved to Auburn, Wash., where Ruby was able to raise her children and help with the movie theaters her father-in-law owned.
Ruby considered herself lucky to always be surrounded with family and friends. After raising their children, Ruby and Maury stayed in Auburn, living close to their oldest son, Gary, and were able to be close by when their first grandchildren were born. After losing Maury, Ruby went to Montana to be close to Glen and his daughters, spending time with more grandchildren. For about 10 years while in Washington and Montana, Ruby sold real estate, which she thoroughly loved! When she was ready to move on from this, she became a caretaker, first in Newcastle of her aunt and giving her the chance to be around more grandchildren. She spent several years in Newcastle before relocating to Palm Springs, Calif., to care for her mother-in-law.
After the passing of her mother-in-law, Ruby stayed with her children for various lengths of time in Washington, Montana, and Wyoming.
Having a love of moving and traveling, Ruby enjoyed seeing all she could throughout her life. Some highlights include a few trips to Europe, including England and a cruise in Spain. She enjoyed numerous trips to see her brothers, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Another joy of Ruby’s was planning get-togethers with friends and family. Family reunions, girls’ trips with friends from high school, and the Newcastle All School Reunion were all an important part of Ruby’s plans annually! She was active in Bible study and attended church regularly wherever she was. She was often sharing verses and praying for others with care and love.
Ruby is survived by her brothers, Jack (Nancy) Strain, and Boyd (Joan) Strain; her children, Gary (Gina) Mullendore, Gail Perino, and Glen Mullendore; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; along with cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she all loved dearly.
Ruby is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Maury; a son, Guy; and one great-grandson, Spencer.
The family is planning a Celebration of Life in Newcastle in the spring, then Ruby will be interned in Auburn with Maury. Please join us for a memorial service in honor of Ruby on May 21st at 11 am, beginning at the Mountain View Cemetery, 2020 Mountain View Drive, Auburn, WA 98001 with a reception immediately following at the First United Methodist Church, 100 N Street SE Auburn, WA 98002.
