Obituary for Ruby Norr "Ruby Ring" D' Imperio

Ruby passed away July 4th, 12:35 p.m., at Care Source Hospice Hospital in Holladay, UT after a long and courageous battle with heart and lung disease. Ruby is survived by her two daughters, Joyce Helget (Tom Helget), Jan-ice Lee (Skip Lee); grandchildren, Michael, Jason, Lela, and Marshall Cox, Amber D' Imperio; two sisters, Hazel Johns, Dorothy Davies (Earl Davis); numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Hugo George D' Imperio; brothers, Melvin, Vaughn, Ross; and sisters, Vera, Melba, Laverne. Ruby was born Aug 1, 1921 in Enterprise, UT and was raised in Salt Lake City, UT by Edmond and Clara Norr. Ruby was the second to the last child born of nine children. Ruby left home at the age of 14 to pursue her career as a contortionist dancer and to travel around the world. Ruby performed Vaudeville acts with famous people such as Frank Sinatra, Martha Ray, The Mills Brothers, The Andrew Sisters, and Jack Benny, to name a few. Her stage name was "Ruby Ring" and was very well known for her unique stage act and ability to twist her body into such graceful moves and shapes. Ruby believed that with a lot of hard work, enthusiastic attitude and dedication, anything was possible to achieve in life. While Ruby was in Philadelphia, PA, performing in a nightclub, she met Hugo D' Imperio and soon fell in love and married Hugo in 1954. Ruby and Hugo had two lovely daughters, Joyce and Janice. They settled in Philadelphia to be close to Hugo's family and raise their daughters. In July 1976, Ruby and Janice moved to Salt lake City, UT to retire and live the rest of her life and be close to her family, friends, and loved ones. Ruby was a very warm and loving person and was the most generous person ever known to mankind. Ruby had a very outgoing and vivacious personality and loved everyone she met. Ruby especially loved children and was "Aunt Ruby" to anyone that would allow her to be their "Aunt" and friend. We are going to miss our mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin, and friend very, very much. Ruby was truly a special person and loved by all that ever knew her. Ruby's smile will always remind us that she was the "Light of our Life!" Services will be Tues. July 9, 11 a.m.

Published in the Salt Lake Tribune from 7/7/2002 - 7/8/2002.

Obituary Guestbook

Aunt Ruby was one of the most amazing people I've ever met. I recently gave a presentation in my
Intro to Education class on the people that have made me the person I am today, and she was definitely one I talked a lot about. She taught me that anything was possible if you work hard at it and believe you can. She was such a happy person all the way up to the end. What an amazing example. She always smiled and had the most comforting laugh. I was proud to have her as an aunt before, and I still am. What an amazing lady! I love you Aunt Ruby!!!!!
Andrea Wall (SLC, UT )
July 16, 2002

I was sorry to hear of Ruby's long illness and death. I hope that your sorrow will be softened with time.
--Marriner Norr (son of Vernon Norr)
Marriner and LaRae Norr (Beltsville, MD )
July 11, 2002

Ruby, you have always been there for us, and we'll never be able to repay you for all you've done for us and our family. We all love you very much.
Dorothy and Earl Davies (Draper, UT )
July 10, 2002

Aunt Ruby, I miss you so much. Your generosity was legendary. Everything about you was bigger than life, especially your love and concern for others. I am so thankful to have known you and been part of your life. You light will shine in all of your family forever.
Jan Shaw (West Jordan, UT )
July 10, 2002

Aunt Ruby was one who lived life to the fullest and made the best of everything. She spent so much time with all of her family- including nieces, nephews and their children. I never knew how she was able to take such loving care of so many of us. We will miss you. I will always remember how much fun you had doing handstands and acts for everyone. You will be greatly missed. I love you Aunt Ruby.
Maureen Davies (Salt Lake City, UT )
July 9, 2002

Aunt Ruby always had time for her family and was loved by all who knew her. It seemed like she was always two places at once caring for all. I will miss her greatly. She was very proud of her web page someone created for her. http://www.contortionhomepage.com/ring.html
Maureen Davies (Salt Lake City, UT )
July 8, 2002

Ruby will always be our "kissing Aunt". What a dear soul. Our family loved her. She has always been so kind and generous. We will miss her greatly.
David Wall (Salt Lake City, UT )
July 8, 2002

My first memory of Ruby was when she came to visit my parents home. She "walked into the room on her hands." Her sparkle was contagious and I always loved her visits. Love to you forever, Ruby. Laurie Jones (Glen & June Wilcox's daughter)
Laurie (Wilcox) Jones (Murray, UT )
July 8, 2002

Hi, I knew Ruby, when I was three years old I started taking dancing lessons from my Uncle Ralph Cannon. She was his assistant. I adored her. She was so sweet to me, and she was a wonderful dancer, and acrobat. When I was in my teens, I was fortunate to work with her as we toured and performed at many cities in the West. She was so much fun to be with. You are right. Everyone on the tour loved her. I can not remember when she wasn't smiling. "I'm sorry for your loss. She must have been a wonderful Mother and Grandmother. Sincerely, Gwen Kempner
Gwem Kempner (Riverton)
July 8, 2002

 

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