Ruby Marie (Graf) Salewski

Ruby Marie (Graf) Salewski, 94 of Oak Park Heights, MN, beloved mother and grandmother, was called home by her Heavenly Father on Sunday July 12, 2026.

Ruby was born on February 22, 1932, in Vernon, Texas. She graduated from South Lockett High School in Vernon, TX. She then attended the University of Texas - Austin to become a registered nurse and earned her Bachelor of Science - Nursing. Ruby went on to earn a Master of Science - Nursing and a PhD from the University of Minnesota. She taught nursing at the University of Minnesota, Rochester Community College, Texas Tech, University of Texas - El Paso and the University of New Mexico - Las Cruces.

She is preceded in death by her parents Albert and Olga (Mertink) Graf, brother Herbert Graf, sister-in law Jean (Henningsen) Graf, brother Curtis Graf and brother-in-law William Speights.

Ruby is lovingly survived by sister Mildred (Graf) Speights; sister-in-law Harriet (Weyhrich) Graf; sister-in-law Jean (Chiles) Graf; her five children, Stephen (Robin) Salewski, Elizabeth (Dennis) Schertz, Matthew Salewski, Rebecca Salewski and Deborah (Christopher) Winkelman; her four cherished grandchildren, Emily Schertz, James Schertz, Anthony Winkelman and Dupree Winkelman; nephews David Graf, Jonathan Graf, Nathan Graf and Phillip Graf; nieces Sharon (Graf) Closner, Rene (Graf) Bagley and Melanie Graf; Family adopted Ebi (Shellie) Clark, Bella Dixson; great nieces and nephews, extended family members, loving care givers and dear friends.

Ruby will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her unwavering work ethic, her honesty, her deep love for family and friends, sense of humor and sassiness. She loved her Lord and her children, of which she was very proud of all their accomplishments. She had the gift of hospitality and enjoyed entertaining. She was a good cook and was known to make incredible meals out of what she had on hand. She was very creative and inspired creativity in her children. She believed in working hard, speaking honestly, and treating people as though they mattered. She loved to sing, especially the old hymns and often could be found singing and dancing while cooking, sometimes to the detriment of anyone who got too close. Her laugh was contagious and it was impossible not to laugh with her. She loved attending family reunions and travelling. Ruby travelled to many states and countries including Russia, Italy and Greece and sharing these travels with her children. Her legacy of strength, loyalty, kindness, and caring will live on through the many lives she touched. Though she will be greatly missed, the memories she created and the example she set will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her forever.

A small family service will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026 at Bradshaw Funeral Home, Stillwater, MN. A graveside service will take place in Vernon, TX where she will be laid to rest next to her parents. Additional service information to follow.