Ruby Eilene Wheatly

Obituary For Ruby Eilene Wheatly

Ruby Wheatly, age 92, passed away in her sleep on December 13, 2025, at Mill Pond Care Center in Ankeny, Iowa.

Ruby graduated from North High School in Des Moines and then from Broadlawns School of Nursing. After nursing school, she married the love of her life, Jack Wheatly.

Ruby worked as a nurse at Broadlawns Hospital and then as a school nurse for the Des Moines School district. Throughout her career, she earned her BSN degree, Nurse Practitioner Certification, and was a founding member of the National Association of School Nurses serving in leadership and she was elected President in 1971.

After retirement she enjoyed traveling with friends, teaching Sunday School at Ankeny Evangelical Free Church, hosting Bible studies, visiting her grandchildren in Colorado, Istanbul, and Turkey, swimming with the Perky Penguins group, and gardening in her backyard.

She will be remembered as a kind, caring, loving, lady with a warm smile for everyone who entered her life.

She is survived by her daughter, Michelle (Erol) Altug; son, Neil (Lisa) Wheatly; 2 granddaughters; 2 grandsons; 2 great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her son, Charlie; her husband, Jack; her brother, Ron Livingston; and her sisters, Shirley Frost and Edith Coburn.

There will be a Celebration of Life service in the coming year. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be sent to The Alzheimer’s Association.

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