Obituary: Ruby Lavada Sousa

Sept. 12, 1932 - June 16, 2010

Ruby Lavada Sousa, a long time Merced, Calif., resident, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on Wednesday, June 16, 2010. Ruby was born Sept. 12, 1932, in Clarksville, Texas, to J.D. and Annie Magby.

Ruby's passions were cooking, making flower arrangements and collecting elephant figurines. She proudly worked for the last six years for the City of Merced at the Merced Community Senior Center. She loved decorating the facility for the different holidays. Also she enjoyed dedicating her time cooking for special events for her friends at the Star Club.

Ruby was preceded in death by seven siblings; her son Calvin Heyman; her loving husband David Sousa; and her dog Pepper. She is survived by her brother Albert Magby of Oklahoma; children John Heyman of Reno, Daniel, Jenna and Richard Heyman of Merced, Doug Heyman of Los Banos, Calif., Linda Heyman of Carson City, and stepchildren Danelle Sousa of Vacaville, Calif., Tony Sousa and wife Carol of Chowchilla, Calif., Darcie Sousa of Fairfield, Calif., 24 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend a service at 1 p.m. Thursday July 1 at the Applegate Park Rose Garden, 27th & M Street, followed by a celebration of life at the Merced Senior Community Center, 755 W. 15th Street, ending at 4 p.m.

Our family would like to thank the city of Merced, Merced Senior Community Center and friends for all of your support.

Allen Mortuary is entrusted with the arrangements; please share your condolences at www.allenmortuary.com