Ruby was born in Malden, Mass., on July 3, 1913. She was the eldest of three children and the only daughter, born to Harry and Grace Ware.

In 1936, having graduated from Burdett Business College in Boston, Mass., she married the love of her life, John Ferguson.

John Francis Ferguson

One year later, their only child, Carol Jean Ferguson, was born.

In 1960, John and Ruby Ferguson began The John F. Ferguson Co. Through the couple’s friend, likeable demeanor and Ruby’s business sense, it became a very successful food brokerage, serving customers nationwide. The success of the business allowed the couple to retire in 1985. They then moved to Newbury Park to be closer to family.

Ruby is remembered as a relentless optimist and a tenacious fighter for the things she believed in. Recently hospitalized, her one goal was to return home to John, her beloved husband of 72 years. Unfortunately, she passed away while recovering from a bypass operation.

Ruby, or “Mimi” as she was known to her family, is survived by her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Dennis O’Gorman; grandsons, Tim, Terry, Brian and Kevin Keenan; and great-grandchildren, Patrick, Caitlin, Katie and Nikki. We will never forget our love for our Mimi.

A service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 28, at St. Julie Billiart Church. Burial will immediately follow at Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Ruby’s memory to Helping Hands, c/o St. Julie Billiart Church, 2475 Borchard Road, Newbury Park, CA 91320.

Please sign the guest book at obits.VenturaCountyStar.com