Ruby McCoy Obituary

Bayfield resident Ruby Lenore Tangreen McCoy died after a long battle with cancer Monday, April 2, 2012, at her home. She was 79.

Known as "Lenore," she was born to Clarence and Ruby Tangreen on Sept. 6, 1932, in Moab, Utah. She graduated from Grand County (Utah) High School in 1950.

She met her future husband, Bob McCoy, at Redd Ranches in La Sal, Utah, where he was a cowboy, while helping her mother in the cookhouse.

The couple married June 29, 1950, in Aztec and made their home on their ranch outside Bayfield, where they raised six children.

"Lenore worked hard as a homemaker, teaching her children to be hard workers with skills such as gardening, canning and baking," her family said. "She also shared her many artistic talents, such as painting, ceramics and numerous crafts."

Mrs. McCoy also enjoyed all forms of handwork, including crocheting, knitting and sewing.

"Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren wear her beautiful garments with pride," her family said. "Later in life, she made many beautiful porcelain dolls, handcrafted from beginning to end and dressed in intricate detail. She was happy to share them with visitors or to donate to those in need."

Mrs. McCoy is survived by her husband of almost 62 years, Bob McCoy, of Bayfield; daughters Evelyn Risen and Julie Baird, both of Bayfield, Sue Decker of La Plata, N.M., and Pat McCoy of Hereford, Texas; sons Bobby McCoy of Bayfield and Jim McCoy of Craig; 19 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 7, 2012, at The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1690 U.S. Highway 160B in Bayfield. Burial will take place at Pine River Cemetery in Bayfield.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 1800 East Third Ave., Suite 101, Durango, CO 81301.