Ruby Gillham

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Ruby Gillham, 52, of Little Rock died Wednesday, June 1, 2005.

She was a Daughter of the American Revolution and a proud tribal member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation. Of the approximately 2,800 tribal members living off the reservation, Ruby was a true ambassador representing her Native American culture, maintaining the values and independence of the Salish and Kootenai people of her Flathead Nation.

Ruby was preceded in death by her daughter, Dianna Gillham DeBoard; her parents Estevan (Steve) and Louise Plouffe Rodriguez; and her brothers, Steve Rodriguez Jr. and Arthur Rodriguez.

She is survived by her husband, Gregory Gillham; her daughter, daughter-in-law and sons-in-law, Tina and Joseph Haven of Rocky Face, Ga., and Eric and Stacy DeBoard of Blytheville, Ark.; her sister, Roberta Rodriguez of Hot Springs; sister and brother-in-law Delores and Sammy Valles of Atascosa, Texas; her sister, Sandra Aldana of Little Rock; her brothers, Gilbert of Orlando, Fla., Larry of Frenchtown, and Charles; and her grandchildren, Esteban Flanagan, Joseph Haven Jr. and Charles Haven of Rocky Face, and Jayda, Andrew and Zachary DeBoard of Blytheville, Ark.

A wake, Rosary service, and wake closing were held at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius.

Funeral services were held June 10 in the chapel of Ruebel Funeral Home in Little Rock, with the Rev. Allen Morton officiating. Burial was in Lowe Cemetery in Royal, Ark.