Obituary of Ruby Thelma BEY (nee Willis)

December 7, 1934 - Princeton, British Columbia

March 12, 2020 - Calgary, Alberta

It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ruby Thelma Bey (née Willis) on March 12, 2020 at the age of 85.

Ruby was born in Princeton BC on December 7, 1934. Ruby was the youngest daughter of Ernst and Hanna Willis and grew up on the Princeton Stock Ranch, now the site of Young Life. She had a true love of horses which began when she rode her horse from the ranch down to the Taylors Mill to go to school. Ruby married John Bey in 1956 and while ranching and raising the kids, she found time to work at the Telephone Company, Princeton Light & Power and CIBC.

Ruby was a force to be reckoned with. Straight spoken and no one’s fool, she lived life her way. Beneath this tough exterior was a warm, loving and generous wife, mother, grandmother and close friend to many she left behind, particularly in her home town of Princeton. Whether running the ranch, volunteering for Fall Fair, hosting family reunions and, most importantly, pouring the coffee, Ruby was always fully engaged and full of laughter. Ranching was Ruby’s calling in life and she devoted most of her time to her family ranch, but she also shared her knowledge with others and anyone who needed her help.

Ruby will be lovingly remembered by her son Allen Bey and wife Cindy; daughter Sharon Beacom and husband Mark; grandchildren William, Jacob, Jeff, Mitchell, and Sydney; as well as her older brother Abe Willis and his wife Mona; and many, many in-laws, nephews, nieces and cousins on both sides of the family. She was predeceased by her husband John Bey; and her sisters Elsie Leed and Irene Stalker.

A Celebration of Ruby’s Life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2020 in Princeton, BC. Details will be provided at a later date. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Ruby’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. Ruby was most committed to her community during her life and a significant amount of her energy, love and attention went toward the Princeton Exhibition Association and its events, so in lieu of flowers, donations to the PXA would be greatly appreciated. To donate please contact Karrie at karriecrucil@gmail.com

In living memory of Ruby Bey, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.