Ruby Brackin

Ruby Grace (Eblen) Brackin born February 9, 1933, in Swift County Minnesota to Elmo E. Eblen and Lillian M. Heschke, the fourth of eight children. She started school in Clontarf, Minnesota, finishing her education in Douglas County, Minnesota, School District #3. Ruby became a member of the Forada Presbyterian Church on May 19, 1946. Ruby was united in marriage to Lloyd R. Brackin at Forada Presbyterian Church on February 23, 1951. To this union six children were born: Douglas Brackin of Fifty Lakes, MN, Barbara (Rodney) Winter of Leander, TX, Patricia Farrow of Sartell, MN, Thomas (Joy) Brackin of Alexandria, MN, Timothy Brackin of Alexandria, and Phyllis (Shawn Sr.) Johnson of Alexandria; she was also blessed with nineteen grandchildren and twenty seven great grandchildren. Ruby attended the Stewart School of Hairstyling and began her career while living in Sioux Falls, SD with her husband and children. Upon returning to Alexandria she continued to work in the field of hairstyling until 1977. In 1977, Ruby began her career at 3M in Alexandria and worked there until her retirement. After retirement, Ruby continued to work as a temp in the 3M Store and was involved with the 3M Retirees for many years. She was also a treasurer for the Senior Citizens Club. Ruby enjoyed visiting with family and friends and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She made everyone feel welcome at her home and had an open door policy. After retirement, Ruby took up clowning as a hobby and made many children Ruby died at the Douglas County Hospital on January 8, 2008 with her family by her side. She is survived by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, mother, Lillian M Eblen of Benson; three sisters: Vivian (Clarence) Tuttle of Alexandria, Alice (Frank J.) Chan of Alexandria, Lois (John) Winkel, Benson, MN; brother, Roger (Amelia) of Ocean Springs, MS; two sister-in-laws: Lillian Eblen of Alexandria, Muriel Karrow of Alexandria; numerous nieces, nephews, former co-workers and friends. The last months of Ruby?s life was spent at Mary?s Home Care in Alexandria, where she enjoyed all the comforts of home away from home. Ruby was treated like one of the family at Mary?s and received the BEST of care. She developed additional friendships with Mary, Curt and the rest of the staff along with the other residents. Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 12, 2008, 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Osakis with Rev. Sutton officiating. Honorary Pallbearers were Ruby?s grandchildren, great grandchildren and 3M retired employees. Pallbearers were Elmo Eblen, Donald Eblen, John Staup, Daniel Bengston, Kevin Gades, Donald Cihlar. Burial was at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Arrangements were with Anderson Funeral Home