Ruby K. Bivens Obituary (1953

Ruby K. (Wren) Bivens, 72, of Emden, Illinois, passed away peacefully in the late evening on February 9th, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren. She was born July 14, 1953, and raised in Morris, Illinois. She was the daughter of Clarice Mabel Wren. She was married to Donald Bivens for 32 years until his passing. Ruby was a childcare giver for many years while her children were growing up, after which she worked in a factory as a quality control manager. Ruby was a league bowler in Yorkville, IL. She loved playing cards with her mom and siblings, Georgia, Barb, Fats, Kevin, and others. She also enjoyed crocheting and reading good books. She enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed doing crafts the last few years with Sophia, Ava, and Elijah whom she lived with. Survived by her two daughters, Gayle Bivens of Springfield, Illinois, and Tabitha Russo of Berwyn, Illinois; two sons, Christopher (Nicole) Bivens of Emden, Illinois, and Justin (Hope) Bivens of Ottawa, Illinois. Her 17 grandchildren, many Emden neighborhood grandchildren, and one brother Jimmy Wren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and 14 siblings. A celebration of life will be held February 22nd at Emden Christian Church at 3:00 pm. Per her wishes she will be cremated. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln.