Ruby Leona Syska

South Portland- Ruby Leona Syska, 91, died peacefully on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at the South Portland Nursing Center following a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Her loving daughter was by her side. Ruby was born in Bowdoinham, Maine on October 6, 1926 the daughter of the late Otis A. and Valeria G. (Allen) Witham. She attended schools in Portland and graduated from Portland High School in the class of 1944. On June 4, 1949, Ruby married Archie J. Syska and together they made their home and raised their family in Scarborough. Ruby's whole life was devoted to taking care of her family and home. She took her job as mother and wife very seriously. Raising her daughter, caring and providing for her family are what gave Ruby the greatest pleasure. She was a longtime member of the Thornton Heights United Methodist Church where she was very active in all aspects of the church. She and her husband enjoyed spending time together fishing; she loved reading, knitting and crocheting, cooking, and especially baking. Ruby had a great love of animals especially cats, dogs, and horses. Ruby's daughter described her mother as a very caring, creative, and kind person who always loved being active. The family would like to extend their thanks to the caring and compassionate staff of the Cape Memory Care Center and South Portland Nursing Center for the amazing care and love given to Ruby while she was a resident. Ruby was predeceased by her husband Archie J. Syska in 1999; a sister Elinor Downes. She is survived by her daughter Nancy and her husband Richard Horton of Scarborough; three grandchildren, Candie Hazelton, John and his wife Tricia Horton, and Lori and her husband Dave Kenney; six great grandchildren, Jacob and his wife Kenna, Celine, Sarah, Tyler, Alayna, and Ryan; Brother in law, Andrew Syska of Cape Elizabeth; several nieces and nephews. Visitation and celebration of Ruby's life will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 from 4:00 to 8:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at 1:00pm at the Thornton Heights United Methodist Church, 100 Westbrook Street, South Portland. Burial will follow in Brooklawn Memorial Park, 2002 Congress Street, Portland. To view Ruby's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com Those who wish may make contributions to: Thornton Heights United Methodist Church, 100 Westbrook Street, South Portland, ME 04106 or South Portland Food Cupboard, 130 Thaddeus Street, South Portland, ME 04106