Ruby Florence Janette Lawton

Ruby Lawton was born Ruby Florence Janette O’Donnell in London, England on June 1, 1923. Raised in a middle-class family, Ruby was deeply influenced by her mother, Lillian Florence Fairbairn O’Donnell who was a homemaker and seamstress. Her father, George Fredrick Oliver O’Donnell, worked in Commercial Oil trading and sales. Ruby began dancing on the stage in the London Academy of Ballet. As a dance protégé, she also gained notoriety for her acting skills as a child star in England. Her family moved from England to Toronto, Canada, and Ruby continued dancing on stage. She worked as a professional model in Canada, and won the title of Miss Toronto.

Ruby married Robert Charles Lawton and had two sons, Wayne and Brad, in Toronto. Her husband’s insurance business moved the family to California, and Ruby had two more children—two daughters, Wendy and Marla. After her children were in school, she established the Ruby Lawton’s Classical School of Dance. Ruby’s students were trained in ballet, tap, and modern dance. Then, at the age of 50, Ruby became a real estate broker and she had a successful career in real estate, working until she was 75. After her retirement, Ruby continued to stay active everyday by gardening, walking, dancing, singing, and enjoying her life with family, friends and activities.

Ruby’s lasting legacy at 101 years!