Ruby Margaret Downie, 88, formerly of Franklin Terrace, Vineyard Haven, and a resident of Windemere Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, died Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital after a period of failing health.

Mrs. Downie was the widow of Owen Downie and the daughter of Roy and Roberta Colter Dickson. She was born in Chatham, N.B., Canada, on March 21, 1919 and was educated and attended a bookkeeping school there after high school.

She came to the United States in the late 1930s and settled on Martha’s Vineyard and worked at the Mansion House in the office. After being married, Ruby and Owen moved to St. Clair Shores in Michigan for many years. They returned to the Vineyard in 1984 and lived in Vineyard Haven where she was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Ruby was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star both on Martha’s Vineyard and in Michigan.

Ruby enjoyed crossword puzzles, ceramics and crafts, but most of all she loved and enjoyed her family. She headed the volunteer program at the hospital and the Tree of Lights.

She is survived by her brother, Arthur Dickson and his wife Priscilla of Vineyard Haven. She was predeceased by her siblings, Marven Dickson, Vera Matheson, Ilda Downie, George Dickson, Janet Robertson and Betty Brown.

Her graveside service was held on Monday, Oct. 15 in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven officiated by the Rev. Roger Spinney. Donations may be made in her memory to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, either to the volunteer fund or to the Tree of Lights, P.O. Box 1477, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs.