Ruby Lavina (Green) Sweley was born October 9, 1927, to Randolph and Ida (Belle) Green on a farm on the Canadian Border.

At the age of 3, her family moved to McKenzie County, North Dakota. Ruby and her brother Clifford would herd the cows out to graze and water at the dam each day. Ruby didn’t like the cactus because she was usually barefoot, and she didn’t like the rattle snakes. She did enjoy the lunches they got while herding cattle – Mumma made great fried potatoes. Every night the 3 little kids would sit on the floor in front of Mumma and she would read a chapter of the Bible.

Ruby was going to school to be a teacher when Harold Sweley swept her off her feet. They married and had 3 children together.

Ruby sold Home Interiors for 30 years and also grew a huge garden. She would take items to the farmer’s market or sell them from a sled in the front yard. Walkers and joggers on the bike path could often grab a pear as they passed her house.

Ruby enjoyed coffee time with the ladies in town and loved her church - Ebenezer Congregational Church. Ruby was quick with a joke and shared love and kindness with all she met. She will be missed.

Ruby peacefully passed away on Monday October 22, 2024, at St. Benedict’s Health Center in Dickinson, ND with family by her side.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Eddie (Teri Dupont) Cady, Dickinson, ND, Harold Cady, Sidney, MT, Carla (Frank Ward) Baesler, Sidney, MT, Kimberly Skeens (Brad Hueth), Watford City, ND, and Emily (Sarah) Colegrove, Sidney MT; her great grandchildren, Matthew Wiemerslage, Kyle Shipman, Keana Sparks, Izaiah Cady, Junior Cady, Dallas Lorenz, Brandi DeTienne, Kyle DeTienne, twins Alex Baesler and Caine Baesler, Jordan Skeens, Jayden Skeens, and Diana Meehan; her great-great-grandchildren, Lily Jones, Jenessa DeTienne, and Jocelyn DeTienne; and her son in-law, Stewart White, Sidney, MT.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Sweley, and her children Shirley Baesler, Martin Sweley, and Robin White.