Ruby "Jewell" Wisely

Ruby “Jewell” Wisely, 89, of Chandler, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on the evening of Wednesday, December 28, 1934, on a farm 10 miles northwest of Hartville, Missouri, as the 12th child of Joseph Franklin Swopes and Cynthia Emma (Carter) Swopes.

Jewell’s father passed away before her first birthday in 1935, and she was raised during the Great Depression. These early years instilled in her a lifelong ability to be resourceful, frugal, and resilient. Growing up on an 80-acre farm in the countryside, Jewell helped with daily chores, including cutting firewood, milking cows, and caring for pigs and chickens. She attended Rogers School and later Hartville High School.

Jewell married Denver Henslee, the older brother of her best friend in 1950, and together they welcomed their daughter, Sharon Anita Rudysz (Henslee), on March 2, 1952. Following Denver’s untimely passing in 1963, Jewell and Anita relocated to Davenport, Iowa. On August 20, 1964, Jewell married Elbert “Bud” Wisely, becoming a loving stepmother to Bud’s seven children.

Jewell’s life was marked by her love of family, faith, and nature. She enjoyed traveling, spending time outdoors, tending to her roses, and visiting with family and friends. She was a God-loving Christian woman who lived her faith daily as an active member of the Alma School Church of Christ since moving to Arizona in 2005. Jewell believed deeply in loving God above all else and showing kindness to others—living by the principle of treating everyone as she wished to be treated. Her life was a testament to her compassion, generosity, and willingness to help anyone in need.

Jewell is survived by her daughter, Sharon Henslee Buri Rudysz; 5 stepchildren: Bill Wisely, Steve Wisely, Jane Krebbs, Curtis Wisely and Willis Wisely. Four grandchildren: Jennifer Davis (Scott Davis), Christina Heckel (John Pacifico), Joshua Buri, and Melissa Lopez (Trevor Lopez). 13 great-grandchildren; Whitney Marsh, Chelsea Ziegenhein, Sean Bouchard, Victoria Cain, Alexis Heckel, Aidan Heckel, Joey Pacifico, Alexandra Buri, Aubree Buri, Abigail Buri, Anthony Gallegos, Devon Gallegos, Alec Lopez. 12 great-great-grandchildren as well as many more step grandchildren.

Jewell was preceded in death by Joseph Franklin Swopes (father), Cynthia Emma Carter Swopes (mother) and her brothers and sisters: Rosa Stanley, Lois Renner, Frank Swopes, Mae Stubbs, Ben Swopes, Hazel Francis Harris, Fred Swopes, Richard Thomas Swopes, Carl Swopes, Baby boy Swopes & Wilma Liljestrand. Denver Henslee (husband), Elbert Wisely (second husband), Lawanda Sue Henslee (daughter), Daniel Wisely (stepson) and Paula (Tonie) Ahrens (stepdaughter)

Jewell’s legacy of love, faith, and kindness will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were fortunate to know her.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 1:30 Pm at the Alma School Rd Church of Christ, 445 N Alma School Rd, Chandler, AZ 85224.