Ruby Lopez

Ruby Gertrude Lopez, a beacon of love and joy, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, in

Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Born in New York, NY, on December 24, 1947, to the late Viola

Reed and David Sturkey, Ruby’s journey through life was one marked by an enduring spirit of

generosity and a contagious sense of humor that brought light to all who knew her.

Ruby, fondly known as the heart of her family, was a loving wife to her husband, George Lopez,

and a devoted mother to her children, Cheryl Reed, the late Edward D. Reed Sr., Michele

Bridges, Jane G. Lopez, Lovette C. Lopez, Violet R. Lopez, and Marquis G. Jones. Her legacy

of love extended to her grandchildren, Derrick White Jr., the late Pierre E. Reed, Na’Kia M. King,

Cheryl L. White, Damietri C. King, Orlando G. Irizarry, Damon King, David C. Reed Jr.,

Geovanni G. Ebanks, Micahi C. Williams, Jordyn L. Ebanks, and to her great-grandchildren,

Mikhial Bradshaw Jr., Liam Extavour, and Derrick Hudson. Ruby’s late sister, Almeta Howard,

her late cousin Louise Green-Smith, and a host of relatives and friends, will forever cherish her

memory.

Ruby’s dedication to her family was paralleled by her commitment to her community. After

graduating high school in 1965, she embarked on a career that would see her touching many

lives as a PCA at Staten Island Hospital and an Aide at UCP. Her gentle nature and the ability to

make everyone she cared for feel important and loved was a hallmark of her service.

Ruby’s passions were as varied as they were fulfilling. She enjoyed the thrill of gambling, the

warmth of family gatherings, the escapism of Nollywood movies, and the adventure of travel.

Her love for shopping on Temu was matched only by her devotion to reading her Bible and

finding relaxation in life’s simple pleasures. Late-night conversations with her cherished friends,

Mary Hines, Hermain Smith, & Connie Thigpen were sources of great comfort and joy.

The words loving, funny, and gentle best encapsulate Ruby’s essence. She was a woman who

found humor in life’s everyday moments, and whose gentle touch could soothe any worry. Her

love was a constant, unwavering force that will continue to guide her family and friends.

As we bid Ruby farewell, we celebrate the time we were privileged to share with her. Her

laughter, her kindness, and her unwavering positivity will remain with us always. Ruby Gertrude

Lopez lived a life full of purpose and love, and her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of

those she touched.

Ruby’s life will be commemorated in a service that reflects the joy she brought to this world. As

we gather to honor her, we will remember a life lived to the fullest, a journey completed with

grace, and a legacy of love that will never fade.

“Stop runnin’ and jumpin’ up on that floor!”

Ruby Lopez, to her grandchildren