When tomorrow starts without me

and I'm not here to see,

if the sun should rise and find your eyes

all filled with tears for me.

I wish you wouldn't cry

the way you did today,

while thinking of the many things

we did not get to say.

I know how much you love me

as much as I love you.

Each time that you think of me

I know you will miss me too.

When tomorrow starts without me

please try to understand,

that an angel came and called my name

and took me by the hand.

The angel said my place was ready

in heaven far above

and that I would have to leave behind

all those I dearly love.

But when I walked through Heaven's Gates

I felt so much at home,

when God looked down and smiled at me

from his golden throne.

He said this is Eternity

and all I promised you.

Today for life on earth is done,

but here it starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow

for today will always last,

and since each day's the exact same

there is no longing for the past.

So when tomorrow starts without me

do not think we're apart,

for every time you think of me,

remember I'm right here in your heart.

Attributed by David Romano

Born, raised and educated in Germany, Ruth and her younger sister, Irene grew up in war torn Europe during WWII.  She met her husband, Jean, who was stationed with the Army in France where they married and their daughter was born.  Their traveling with the Army started from there and they moved from post to post, while she created a beautiful and loving home at every new location.  Ruth was an accomplished clothing designer and seamstress as well as an excellent cook.  She was particularly talented with any type of craft that was done with her hands.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Hedy Nist; and her husband of fifty two years, Jean Lamar Derby.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Karen and David Quisenberry; her grandson Leonard A. Hanger, his wife and his children; two step granddaughters, Shelley Quisenberry Burns and Heather Quisenberry Dempsey and their families. Her sister Irene Lentine and sister-in-law Marian Derby as well as a host of nieces and nephews also survive.

Since December, 2011, she was a resident of The Rockin' Chair at Lerona where she was lovingly taken care of.  Ruth passed courageously surrounded by Karen, David and their extended family at her side.  She will be cremated and her life celebrated at a later date with a private family service.