Evelyn Ruby, originally of Glenwood, Iowa, was the youngest of seven children. Coming from a lineage of teachers, Evelyn knew the importance of education; however, her passion was nursing. Her siblings helped pay her way through Nursing school at State University of Iowa (now University of Iowa). She graduated as an RN in 1936. After graduation, she married her college sweetheart, Warren Ruby. They moved to Mason City and embraced the community – where both would spend the rest of their lives.
While most women of the era stayed at home, Evelyn made a career for herself. She worked in the Emergency Room of St Joseph Mercy Hospital (now Mercy Medical Center); she did private duty nursing for local families; and eventually worked her way up to Director of Public Health Nursing for the City of Mason City. Evelyn loved nursing and wanted everyone to enjoy their career as much as she loved hers.
Through the Evelyn Ruby Nursing Scholarship, her daughter, Cheryl Paine, and granddaughter, Heather Paine, continue her legacy – a life-long love of learning and caring for others. The Evelyn Ruby Nursing Scholarship is available to full-time NIACC students working toward an ADN, with the intention of pursuing a BSN degree. Preference will be given to students planning to complete their BSN degree at the University of Iowa.