Ruby J. Bacon, 98, of Sparta died Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at the Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta. She was born on June 12, 1910 in Footville, WI to Nicholas and Ruby (Nichols) Charlson. Ruby met Elmer Bacon, her future husband in high school in 1928 when they were both seniors. After high school Ruby graduated from Milton College in 1937 with a History Major and minor in English and Sociology.

     Ruby and Elmer were married on November 23, 1938 in Verona, WI. After marriage Ruby worked for the telephone company in Cataract for about 5 years and then worked at Century Telephone in Sparta until she retired in 1972.

     Ruby loved to travel. She took her first trip to Europe by ship in 1932. Ruby and Elmer spent many years traveling together. They traveled to every state except Hawaii. They spent their retirement years in Texas. Ruby traveled to Europe a total of six times. In October of 2006 at the age of 96 she took her first helicopter ride.

     Ruby was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church and considers the people at St. John’s as her family. She was a member of TOPS for many years and was awarded a membership in KOPS.

     She lived at the Marycrest Apartments and then moved to the Morrow Memorial Home in July 2007. She liked to socialize and entertain people with her “Rubyisms”. These are words of wisdom that come out of her mouth all of a sudden with no planned thought but it makes you stop and think and will always bring a smile to your face.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elmer; a brother, Francis, and a sister, Helen.

     She is survived by cousins, and many special friends.

     Funeral services will be Sunday at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Sparta with Vicar Leigh Waggoner officiating. Burial will be in the Cataract Cemetery, Cataract.

     Friends may call at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Sunday from 9 a.m. until the time of services. Memorials may be given to St. John's Episcopal Church, Sparta.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting with funeral arrangements.