Ruby Lee Rodenbeck, 83, of Greensburg, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home on October 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on May 8, 1942, in Burkesville, Kentucky, Ruby was the daughter of Fowler B. Short and Ansy A. (Watson) Short. On July 18, 1959, she married the love of her life, Paul E. Rodenbeck, and together they shared 63 beautiful years of marriage until his passing on October 12, 2022.
Ruby was a proud and cherished member of the Pepsi Cola Collectors Club since 1997, where she was affectionately known as “Queen Ruby.” To her, the club was more than a hobby — it was a second family.
A homemaker by heart and vocation, Ruby poured her love into her home and into the lives of everyone she met. She was a woman of many talents and passions, including crocheting, pottery and ceramic painting, basket weaving, and collecting Longaberger baskets. She had a deep love for bluegrass music and festivals, and she rarely passed up an opportunity to travel or cook a delicious meal. Her flower gardens were a testament to her nurturing spirit.
Ruby’s vibrant personality and warm heart earned her the nickname “Mom” by all who knew her. She made everyone feel like family.
She is survived by her children: Rita Rodenbeck Miller, Darrell Rodenbeck, and LeAnne (Dan) Mann; grandchildren: Tessie Miller, Nettie Miller, Paul (Crystal) Rodenbeck, Brian (Anna) Rodenbeck, Andrew (Dee) Means, Wyatt Means, Danyel Mann, and Landyn Mann; great-grandchildren: Keegyn Stuckey, Leia Christakis, Elek Christakis, Sophia Colbert, Blake Rodenbeck, Dahlia Rodenbeck, Brody Rodenbeck, Ashton Rodenbeck, Archer Rodenbeck, Sloane Ruby Rodenbeck, and Hazel Rodenbeck; great-great-grandchildren: Raylyn Stuckey and Irelyn Stuckey; siblings: Julie Frances Basham and Paul Ray Short; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul E. Rodenbeck; her daughter, Rhonda Rodenbeck Means; granddaughter, Hallie Miller; brother, Jesse Reed Short; and sister, Shelby Jean Short.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Porter-Oliger-Pearson Funeral Home in Greensburg. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM, with burial at South Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital — causes close to Ruby’s heart.
Ruby’s legacy of love, laughter, and generosity will live on through the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed.