Robbie Jean (Ruby) Dukes

Reflections of the Life, Legacy and Love

Robbie Jean (Ruby) Dukes was born on February 11, 1946, in Conway Arkansas to the union of Billy Field and Willie Etta Dukes.  She passed away on October 10, 2023, in Bethesda, Maryland.

Robbie attended and graduated from Benton Harbor Senior High in 1968 after which she attended and received an Associate's Degree from Lake Michigan College.  From there she went on to Western Michigan University where in 1974 she received her bachelor's degree in social work.  She was employed with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in both Benton Harbor and Kalamazoo Michigan as a Child Protective Service Worker. 

She loved crafts and had a deep passion for photography.  She would always purchase the most expensive and complicated camera. It was only natural that she loved taking pictures of family and friends.  She enjoyed watching basketball and was a sincere Chicago Bulls fan in the early 90’s. She had planned on visiting the “motherland” before her health began to fail.  She loved the people there and made no secret about how she felt. 

On most weekends you could find her at her home with friends frying fish and enjoying conversation.  Even with her health issues, she still enjoyed her independence.

She was always considered very level-headed, neutral, and quiet.  She never picked sides and was always willing to help assist anyone she came in contact with.  Although she was serious most times, she had a humorous side only her grandchildren knew about.  She also desired to have her daughters and grandchildren involved in activities.

She is preceded in death by her parents Billy Field Dukes and Willie Etta Dukes, brothers Augustus (Billy Ray) and Larry Joe Dukes.

She leaves to mourn her passing daughters: Kimberly Dukes and Mikesha (Guy) Washington; grandchildren: Ayanna and Neshia Dukes, Destinee, Aneesia, and Tyson Washington; siblings: Barbara (Edward) Sayles, Cleo, Gary, Pamela, and Rodney Dukes.  A host of nieces, nephews, and two very special friends: Loretta Adih and Audrey Ransom.

On a passing note, as Robbie always said: “Love You More”.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 at Robbins Brothers Funeral Home 204 S Fair Avenue in Benton Harbor, Michigan.  A repast will be held at Tryon School 912 E. John Beers Road in Saint Joseph, Michigan.

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