Ruby A Blair

  Ruby A. Blair, 99, Grand Forks, ND died Friday, April 8, 2016 in Valley Memorial home Eldercare. Ruby Aldrie Steenerson was born February 8, 1917 in Fertile, MN. She was the 5th of 9 children born to Steener and Laura (Quanrud) Steenerson. At a young age, she moved with her family to Grand Forks where she attended Central High School. Ruby married Gilbert Blair on November 28, 1936. She worked for Bridgeman Creamery for 25 years. During that time, she held several positions in the company including Milk Tester. She was the company’s first Demo Girl, handing out Bridgeman product samples at various events. Ruby also was a talented family barber who learned this skill from her father. She gave haircuts to numerous members or her family and extended family for many years. Ruby was a member of the I.B. Teamsters L.U. 581, the American Legion Auxiliary, The Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, the Royal Neighbors, Sons of Norway and the Eagles Auxiliary. She made cotton candy for Shriner events for 35 years. Ruby is survived by her daughter, Judy Tolness, Grand Forks; grandchildren, Tom (Denise) Tolness, Burley, ID, Randy Tolness, Apache Junction, AZ and Tracy Tolness, Mesa, AZ, 5 great grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Ruby is preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Blair in 1967; son, Russell Blair; her parents; siblings, Cloyd Steenerson, Earl Steenerson, Pearl Blair, Lola Blair, Mae Schrankel, Tracy Steenerson, Ernest Steenerson, Clifford Steenerson; and a son-in-law, Sherman Tolness Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM Friday, April 15, 2016 in Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks, ND. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the funeral home. Burial will be in Memorial Park South Cemetery of Grand Forks.