Remembering Ruby Duncan
I first met Ms. Ruby in March of 2023 when I interviewed her ahead of the screening of the documentary Storming Caesars Palace.
The screening was held at the West Las Vegas Library, a place near and dear to her heart.
Following a screening of the film Storming Caesars Palace, host Maria Silva lead a panel of four people, Ruby Duncan, Erika Washington, Hazel Gurland-Pooler, Claytee White, through a discussion about the film, including how it was made and its impact on them.
It was hard not to fall in love with Ms. Ruby — she had the sweetest voice, a big, beautiful smile, and her kindness and empathy simply radiated.
I felt a deep connection because her life, to some degree, paralleled my own beautiful mama’s, María Eulogia. Both were orphaned at an early age, both endured unimaginable hardships in their lives, and both were incredible mothers who only wanted what was best for their seven children. Both are now my beautiful angels.
My last visit with Ms. Ruby was on Monday, April 20. She wanted Mexican food — spicy, she said. Boy, did she love her spicy food! Once, at a Thai restaurant, she asked for a 10 on the spice scale. The chef asked if she was sure, and she doubled down! He was so impressed that he brought out a spicy chili paste from the secret menu. How spicy, you may ask? Let’s just say a tiny taste had me whimpering and near tears! Ms. Ruby laughed, asked if I was okay, and then proceeded to add more chili paste to her food.
I really enjoyed visiting Ms. Ruby at her assisted living community. Her neighbors would often stop by to chat — she was truly a celebrity! She was so proud to tell everyone that I worked at Vegas PBS, and I would reply that I was incredibly proud of her and her activism.
We would tell her neighbors that I was her adopted daughter. One of the last things I told her was that I would stop by to see her on Mother’s Day. I will forever be one of her "babies," one of many who benefited from her activism.
I must share that during one of my visits, I sensed a deep sadness in her eyes. She questioned whether she had done enough and if her many sacrifices had been in vain. My heart sank. She especially worried about the "babies" of today and senior citizens; she wished she could have done more in her later years.
There is no doubt her legacy will live on through her namesake school: Ruby Duncan Elementary. She was incredibly proud of her students, teachers, and administrators, and she visited whenever she could.
The segment I did for Nevada Week ended up winning a Pacific Southwest Emmy award — an honor that belonged to Ms. Ruby. Surprising her with the award during her Ruby Duncan Day celebration at her school was one of the greatest highlights of my career.
I hope and pray she left this world knowing that she truly mattered, that her sacrifices were not in vain, that she was loved and admired beyond words, and that she will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Ms. Ruby.
