You can shed tears for a great woman whom is no longer with us in body; she has moved on to the next part of life's great plan.

However, I think we should smile and celebrate, she lived life well.

Moments that live in our hearts and capture her spirit, a life lived well

A loving meal prepared with the most care and love, she lived life well

Happiness at every moment no matter the details, a life lived well

A dedication to her word and deed, she lived life well This is not a loss or an end, it is just the next step in a life well lived.

-Wyatt Neil Vreeland

Ruby Naomi Ford Collier, age 98, passed away at her home in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Wednesday, August 25, 2021.

She went to be with her Lord and Savior. Ruby was born August 17, 1923 in Meade, Kansas to Fred Franklin Ford and Sylvia Mae (Keltner) Ford. She is preceded in death by her husband James 'Buck' Floyd Collier and siblings Garnet Perkins, Vada Gruber, and Clarence Ford. She is survived by her sister Evelyn (Evans) Ellis of Wichita, Kansas, three children, and numerous grand children and great grandchildren.

Ruby graduated from Meade High School in 1941 and was the prom queen. Her mother operated a soup kitchen for travelling workers. While helping in the kitchen she met a young worker passing through town on a pipeline job. James and Ruby eloped to Wisconsin in 1948. Ruby and Buck had three children: Arla Vreeland of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Azure (James) Dickinson of Thousand Oaks, California; and Kenneth Collier of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The pipeline trades of northeastern Oklahoma provided Buck with good employment in Tulsa. The couple moved in 1952 to their home of 69 years. Ruby worked as head cashier for local home improvement retailer Handy Dan, for 30 years.

After retirement she spent time visiting family, crafting crotchet doilies, and feeding neighborhood visitors and friends. Ruby's love of cooking was a lifetime hobby and honed skill. She was well known for Cinnamon rolls, peanut brittle, and chocolate chip cookies. Everyone left her house with a full belly and plate of leftovers. She always said she was happiest in her kitchen.

Ruby was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. During retirement she spent time cooking in the church kitchen and providing delicious treats for social gatherings.

Ruby's Grandchildren were a focus of her love. Her grandchildren are Wyatt Vreeland of Washington D.C.; Wesley (Nicole) Vreeland of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Angel (Craig) Shidner of Camarillo, California; Reid Collier of Huntington Beach, California; Austin Collier of Sacramento, California; & Elizabeth Collier of Glendale, California. Her great grandchildren are Emma & Katie Shidner of Camarillo, California; and Avery Vreeland of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Visitation will be 6-8pm on Thursday, September 2nd at Moore Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E 51st St, Tulsa, OK

Graveside services will be held at 10am on Friday, September 3rd at Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, OK


Moore Funeral Home - Southlawn Chapel 918-663-2233