Ruby Prentice

Ruby Wright Prentice, 71, passed away Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, with her partner, Leo Fackler, at her side at their home in Libby.  She was born Aug. 1, 1942 in Amite City, La., to Frederick and Elizabeth Schnitker Wright.

Ruby often referred to herself as an Army brat, having lived with her parents in various military bases in Louisiana and Germany. Ruby lived in Arizona for several years before settling in Libby.

Ruby was an active and energetic person, working as a waitress and a bartender.  In Ruby’s earlier years, you could find her working at The Loading Chute, later called The Mine. She later worked at Beck’s Café, The American Legion, and most recently at Libby Elks Lodge. Ruby was devoted to her customers, always recognizing a person when they walked in the door. Efficient, courteous, and dedicated were requirements when on the job. When talking about Ruby, one must make mention of her generosity, for it was one of her best qualities.

Ruby always brought to work with her some kind of munchies, sharing them with her customers and anyone who was hungry. She was especially dedicated to the Libby Elks Lodge. She organized pool teams, playing on both Ladies’ Pool and Mixed League teams. She purchased and prepared food for Friday Night Dinners during the summers, even paying for advertising. For this dedication, Ruby was chosen as Employee of the Year in 2013, honored with a plaque that is proudly displayed at the Lodge.

Ruby was preceded in death by her brother-in-law George Whitefield, in 2005; her husband Bill Prentice in 2006 and her sister Patricia Whitefield in 2008.

Survivors include her partner of 8 years, Leo Fackler; her children, son, Tony Scarlato (Darlene), of Casa Grande, Ariz.; daughter Pam Scarlato (Steve) of Glendale, Ariz.; grandchildren Anthony, Patrick, and Sean Scarlato, Brandon, Tyler and Dillon Bayles and Bryce Gender; great-grandchildren Mark, Ashanti, Itala and Natalia Scarlato; and a step-daughter Linda Eddie (Steve), of Boise, Idaho.

Services will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015, at Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby with Pastor Kevin Lindgren. Interment will be at City of Libby Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow the services at the Libby Elks Lodge at 220 West 4th Street.  Online condolence and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.