Ruby Ruth Houtchens, age 95, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society in Red Oak. Ruby was born April 28, 1930, in Missouri, the daughter of William and Ethel (Johnson) Blay. The family moved to Atlantic, Iowa when Ruby was very young and later Red Oak, Iowa. Ruby was united in marriage to Clifford J. “Cliff” Houtchens on December 9, 1950, in Red Oak, Iowa. They made their home in Red Oak. Over the years, Ruby worked for Union Carbide, Red Oak Greenhouse, and CDS. She also had an antique store and helped Cliff in his automobile business. Ruby loved spending time with family, going to auctions and flea markets, antiquing, taking care of her yard and flowers, and tending to her tomatoes and green beans.

Preceding her in death were her parents; son: Danny Houtchens; husband: Clifford Houtchens; brothers: Billy Blay; Raymond Blay; Frank Blay; Larry Blay; and Robert Blay; and sisters: Esther Russ and Marie Fox; and many in-laws. Survivors include her daughter: Cindy Smith and husband Scott of Red Oak; grandson: Justin Johnson of Red Oak; sister: Janie Elwood of Red Oak; sisters-in-law: Dolores Blay of Red Oak; Judy Blay of Villisca, IA; Carolyn Blay of Red Oak; and Liz Houtchens of Emerson, IA; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday, April 24, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the funeral at the funeral home.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.