Ruby Retires After 37 Years with HSS
Before Barb Ruby retired from Human Support Services at the end of June, she had been with the organization for 37 years, making her the longest standing employee HSS has ever had.
Since she started in April 3, 1980, Barb has worked in a variety of roles at HSS, from secretary to office manager.
Over the years, Barb has been a source of institutional knowledge for everyone at HSS.
“When I walked into this building many years ago, Barb was one of the first people I met,” said Stacie Roy, HSS accountant and office manager. “She helped me stock my desk and my mind full of information. Barb was always the one to go to for everything.”
Beloved for her sense of humor and famous one-liners, Barb is also known for being the first one to step in to help wherever she was needed.
“She was one of those people that would drop everything just to help another person,” Roy said. “Being around Barb and watching her interactions with others was an inspiration to us all. I cherish the 19 years I have worked with Barb and could not have asked for a better role model and friend.”
Barb says she has truly loved her job at HSS, and has most enjoyed working with her fellow staff and the clients in the day training program.
Ruby with her husband, Bill, daughter, Brandi Henry, and grandchildren, Bailee and Cody
She is grateful to have played a role in an organization that provides such valuable services to the people of Monroe County.
Since she first joined the organization in 1980, Barb has seen many changes, including the merger of the Columbia and Waterloo offices of HSS, and the introduction of computers.
Before she joined HSS, Barb worked at Equitable Insurance Company in St. Louis for nine years, and spent six years as a stay-at-home mom.
On June 28, Barb’s fellow HSS staff threw her a retirement party to celebrate her years of service to the nonprofit. Her husband, Bill, daughter, Brandi Ruby Henry, and grandchildren, Bailee and Cody, joined her at the party.
In her retirement, Barb says she plans to take some time off but hopes to eventually come back to volunteer at HSS.
Everyone here at HSS is glad to hear it!
After all, as Roy says, “Barb helped to put the ‘Support’ in Human Support Services!”