Rubyann Parsons

She passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side at the blissful age of 80.

Rubyann is predeceased in death by her late husband, Dr. Harry G. Parsons, her parents Elwood and Helen (Culpepper) Kattenhorn, and her beloved grandson Noah A. Mitchell.

She is survived in death by her brother Dan (Janet) Kattenhorn, her four children Susan Espinoza, Dennis (Mary) Costa, Anne Jordan and Mary Mitchell, her six grandchildren Lily Barry, Christy (Chazz) Hall, Amie (Justin) Sims, Dennis (Tori) Costa, Victoria (John) Clark and Clyde Grimes along with her 12 great grandchildren.

Rubyann was born on June 15th, 1941 in Sacramento, California. She grew up in Auburn, California right off of Highway 49 alongside her brother Dan. Some of her most fondest memories of childhood included trips to the Sacramento Zoo, summers at Camp Sacramento and ballet dancing. She had a wonderful relationship with both of her grandmothers and treasured her visits with them.

Rubyann graduated from Placer High School in 1959. Shortly thereafter she started her career as a nurses’ aid. In 1967 she became a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) at Auburn Faith Hospital. Although she did not receive a formal college education, Rubyann was granted her LVN license after petitioning the board. She passed her exam with flying colors on the first attempt. Her career allowed her to spearhead Auburn’s first blood pressure mobile clinic through the American Red Cross. Her long career led her to become the Director of Cardiopulmonary Services at Auburn Faith Hospital until her retirement in 1992.

Her love for nursing also led her to the love of her life, Dr. Harry G. Parsons. After her retirement Rubyann and Harry traveled throughout the United States in their motorhome. They enjoyed going on cruises which brought them to exciting destinations like the Panama Canal, Mexico and Alaska.

If there was a social gathering you could count on Rubyann being there. She was known for her charisma, gift of gab, and magnetic energy. She had an eye for fashion and was a stickler for coordinating clothing and accessories.

Some of Rubyann’s lifelong passions included a profound love for reading, a joy for gardening, impressive sewing and embroidery skills, and a strong love for animals. She was a proud Amway Independent Business Owner. Her profits from this venture provided her the opportunity to travel even more. She even took a trip to Egypt on her own in 1979.

After the passing of her husband, Rubyann continued her pursuit of travel. She lived in Costa Rica from 2008 to 2018. She owned and operated an exotic bird tourist destination retreat. Sadly, after health issues, Rubyann decided it was time to come home. She spent her final years back home “up in the trees” as described by her. Enjoying a slower pace of life, but one that was still filled with social outings and family bonding.

Rubyann was the matriarch and centerpiece of her family. She will be deeply missed by them and to all that had the honor of knowing her.

Letters of condolences can be sent to Anne Jordan, PO Box 7745, Auburn, CA 95604. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Ridge Golf Course in Auburn, CA on Saturday, July 31st, 2021 at 11AM. Friends and family are welcome to join. Please contact family members directly with RSVP, or call 530-613-6776.

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