Ruby Messinger Bove

Ruby Messinger Bove (1935-2024) Ruby Moretti was born in Dobbs Ferry, NY on December 13, 1935 to Frank and Anna Moretti. She was the youngest of their 4 children. She met her first love Raymond Messinger at Blasberg Motors. He was an automotive technician and when she was hired to work as a receptionist, their love story began. Together they had 3 children. It was in nurturing her children and family that Ruby found her greatest joy. She woke up every morning thinking about what those around her needed, and worked endlessly to make people happy. Spending time with Ruby meant you walked away feeling like you were part of a beautiful family. She was eventually not only a mother to 3 children, but to many. Ruby was most proud of her career at Graymoor, a special place that is often referred to as “a holy mountain”. It is a residential treatment facility in upstate NY for men who struggle with housing insecurity and addiction and has been run by the Franciscan Friars and Sisters for over 100 years. She was a friend, mother, and open ear to the many men that transitioned through this community. Ruby also met her second husband William Bove at Graymoor. Ruby was always grateful for everything she had, but when she received 5 beautiful grandchildren, she felt like the luckiest person on earth. One of her greatest possessions was a pillow that stated, “What happens at Grandma’s house, stays at Grandma’s house”. All of her grandchildren will always know that she ”loved them to pieces” and “to the moon and back”. If you have met Ruby, or have known Ruby, she most assuredly offered you an opportunity to tell your story so that she could support you and lift you up when needed. Ruby moved to California over 10 years ago. If you live in Benicia and work at the bank, post office, grocery store, go to church, or walk the streets, you likely were touched by Ruby. She may have brought you donuts for no reason, prayed for you, sent you a thank you card (to thank you for your thank you card), swept your sidewalk, or lit a candle for you when you were in need. Ruby was a devout Catholic and when she found her home at Casa De Villa Rosa, she also found solace in the one-block walk to St. Dominics Church. To know Ruby,was to love Ruby. Ruby is predeceased by her brother Tony Moretti and her sister Betty Carelli. She is survived by her sister, Marie Ciccarelli , her children; Kurt Messinger (Donna), Andrew Messinger (Nora) and Christine Ferguson (Mark), and her grandchildren; Raymond Messinger, John Messinger, William Messinger, Tristan Ferguson and Ruby Ferguson.

Ruby Messinger Bove

December 13, 1935 - May 7, 2024