Ruby E. Maruyama

December 29, 1929

Ruby Ebesugawa Maruyama passed away peacefully on November 20, 2022 at the age of 92 at her home in Wheat Ridge, Colorado surrounded by her family.

She was born on December 29, 1929 in Hilo, Hawaii to her parents Seiichi Ebesugawa and Tomeyo Kimura and was the youngest of eight siblings. Baron Ebesugawa, Tsuyako Ebesugawa, Kay Ushijima, Ann Kaya, Set Kobayashi, Yuki Ebesugawa and Sachi Ebesugawa.

Ruby left her family on the Big Island of Hawaii at the age of 18 in 1947 to pursue her education, first at the University of Hawaii and then at Bradley University, in Peoria Illinois, where she earned both her undergraduate degree in psychology and masters degree in child psychology.

Ruby married her life-long best friend, Herbert Hajime Maruyama, on August 30, 1952 in Chicago, Illinois. Herb was attending Northwestern University in pursuit of a medical degree. The two would move west, first to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico and eventually to Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Ruby was a psychologist for the Denver Public School system before she helped Herb open his orthopedic practice in 1960, where she managed his office of seven physicians for over 36 years.

Ruby’s mother died when she was only three years old. As a result, her oldest sister, Tsuyako “Nappie”, had to leave high school so she could raise her six younger siblings. In 1995 Ruby, with the help of other family members, established the foundation in honor of her sister for female Hilo High School students to receive scholarships to further their education. established the Tsuyako Ebesugawa Foundation.

Ruby was a fierce supporter of her family, Ikebana and golf.

She was a member of the Colorado Sogetsu Branch for more than forty years and the director for over a decade. She received several overseas awards from Sogetsu International for her years of dedication to the craft and education of Ikebana, Japanese Flower arranging.

In 2002, she was the recipient of the Colorado Golf Associations Women’s Volunteer of the Year Award and in 2008 received the Distinguished Service Award from the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame.

Ruby, Herb and their four children lived an incredibly full life. Golf, fishing, skiing, camping, Ikebana, entertaining, world travel and more. She maintained and fostered friendships that would last more than fifty years and she adored her friends. Ruby loved to give her time to so many worthy causes.

Ruby was best known for giving 100% in everything she did with kindness, generosity and honesty. Her larger than life personality infused every room with positivity and energy and for those fortunate enough to know her, she was an incredibly memorable person.

She is survived by her husband of more than 70 years, Dr. Herbert Maruyama, sibling Satsuki “Sachi” Ebesugawa, children: H.H Maruyama, Jan Maruyama, Eric Maruyama and Susan Maruyama; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

In lieu of flowers we are asking for donations to several of Ruby’s favorite passions in life. Tsuyako Foundation, Sogetsu Colorado, or Colorado Junior Golf.

Celebration of Life:

Sunday January 8, 2023 from 11:30 am-2:00 pm at:

Rolling Hills Country Club

15707 West 26th Avenue

Golden, CO 80401

Heavy appetizers will be served.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CrownHillFuneral.com for the Maruyama family.