Ruby Ernestine Kimber

BOSWELL, HARTMAN, JACKS, JOHNSON, KRAWIETZ, KIMBER, LOWERY, WHEELOCK, ZIESER

Posted By: Cindy (email)
Date: 10/21/2025 at 15:59:25

Ruby Ernestine Kimber, age 95, of Independence, Iowa, formerly of Waterloo, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Lexington Estate in Independence.

Ruby was born on June 4, 1930, in Jackson County, Arkansas, the daughter of Hy and Daisy (Boswell) Johnson. She grew up in rural Arkansas, where she worked alongside her family picking cotton on local farms.

In 1948, Ruby married Fredrick Lowery. They made their home in Arkansas and had two children, Alvin and Kathleen. The couple later divorced.

After moving to Waterloo, Iowa – Ruby married Henry Kimber on February 24, 1962. Together they made their home in Waterloo, where they raised their blended family along with their two children, Tina and Teresa.

Once her children were grown, Ruby worked at Wolf Den’s Grocery, the American Legion #138 (where she was an active member) as a cook and bartender and eventually at K-Mart until she retired in 1995.

When Ruby wasn’t lending a hand with her grandchildren, she enjoyed playing bingo, going to the casino, eating fast food, and listening to country music.

Ruby is survived by her children: Kathleen (Tom) Hartman of South Jordan, UT; Tina Zieser of Waterloo, IA; and Teresa (Todd) Wheelock of Rowley, IA; her stepchildren: Lucretia Krawietz of Mesquite, TX; Connie Kimber of Wylie, TX; and Peggy (Keith) Jacks of Wylie, TX; a daughter-in-law, Brenda Lowery of Nashville, TN; sixteen grandchildren; and many, many, many great grandchildren and great-great children (with more on the way).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hy and Daisy Johnson; her husband, Henry Kimber; her eight siblings; her son, Alvin Lowrey; and a stepson, Jerry Kimber.

A private graveside service to be held at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Waterloo, Iowa