Ruby Jeanette Kudej, 79, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 1997, at her home in Kanawha, Iowa. Ruby, the daughter of Walter and Carrie (Fiero) Thomas, was born on August 13, 1917, in Mason City, Iowa.  She attended school in Mason City.  She then attended beauty college.  After college she moved to Kanawha where she worked for a time.  She was united in marriage with Howard Kudej on February 22, 1940, in Mason City, Iowa.  The couple farmed in the Kanawha area.  They retired from farming in 1979 when they then moved into town.  Ruby enjoyed reading.  She was a member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Federated Women's Club, and she served on the Kanawha Community Home Board. Ruby is survived by her son, David and his wife, Mary Lou of Grinnell, and their children, Traci Dolash and Allan Jones; daughter, Barbara Gisvold and her husband, David of Clive, IA; and their children, Amy and Jeffrey; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Clair Thomas and his wife, Marie of Mason City. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and one sister.