Ruby Leah Agnir
On February 20, 2022, Ruby Leah Agnir (nee Ordinario), 82, of Wesley Chapel, FL and formerly of Franklin County, MA (Greenfield and So. Deerfield) joined her Lord after a brief battle with lung cancer at the Regal Palms Assisted Living Facility in Largo, FL. Her daughter Rowena Rantanen, son-in-law Eric Rantanen, son Frederick Agnir, daughter-in-law Christiana Carter and caregiver Ann-Marie Ricks were by her side in person, while friends and family members joined through internet live streaming technology.
Ruby was born on February 2, 1940, to Rev. Roman and Tereza (Rubio) Ordinario in Davao City, Philippines. Her husband was the late Rev. Dr. Federico "Eddie" Agnir, whom she married on April 30, 1961, at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City in the Philippines.
A musical prodigy, Ruby enjoyed a lifelong passion and career for over 70 years as a professional musician starting with her playing the pump organ at 9-yrs old for her church. Working as an organist and music director for a multitude of churches throughout her life, her most recent positions include the music director for Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, FL and organist for St. Elizabeth Episcopalian Church in Zephyrhills, FL.
Ruby will fondly be remembered by her students as she taught piano, organ and voice for over 50 years. Community theater as well was one of her passions, as she participated in dozens of plays and musicals in various roles including music director, actor, singer, director, and producer. She was the founder and artistic director of the community theater group The Green Room Players (Greenfield, Massachusetts), whose proceeds were donated to non-profit organizations including The ALS Foundation among others.
She was also a retired college instructor of speech, theater arts, and music education courses. She majored in English, Speech, and Theater Arts from the University of the Philippines and holds a master's degree in English Literature from Silliman University (Dumaguete, Philippines).
Additionally, she was a life member of many organizations including Order of the Eastern Star and Ladies of the Oriental Shrine of North America, holding various offices. She was also a member of the American Guild of Organists and the American Choral Directors Association as well as a life member of the American Mensa Association, the High IQ Society.
A published author, Ruby's books include Prisms showcasing her original poetry and Fairy Gifts (Tales of Enchantment) – a set of original plays written for Youth Theater. Additionally as part of her passion to serve, she authored the books In Our Music, God and Upward Beyond the Brim, both collections of essays and other writing aimed at inspiring artists who use their talents in houses of worship.
Ruby's husband, Federico (Eddie), pre-deceased her in 2018. She is survived by her three children, daughter Mirla Thompson (Wilmington, NC), daughter Rowena Rantanen (Apex, NC), and son Frederick Agnir (Clearwater, FL). She also is survived her brother Sadiri Ordinario (Santa Clara, CA), her sister Elizabeth Weil (Ann Arbor, MI) and her six grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday March 11 from 6-9pm at the Friendship Hall of the Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley, Chapel, FL.
True to her musical vocation, a Musical Memorial Service designed by Ruby herself will be held Saturday March 12 from 1-3PM, also at Atonement Lutheran Church. To watch the live stream of the Saturday Memorial, go to: discoveralc.com and scroll down and click "live stream."
Ruby donated to several charities. With that in mind, the family wishes memorial contributions to The ALS Foundation or St Jude Children's Research Hospital in her name.
We are asking for people to share what they loved about Ruby, a favorite memory or how she's impacted their life. We are creating a living memorial for her family to remember her through others' eyes.