About Hazel Ruby Mcquain

Hazel Ruby McQuain, a businesswoman and benefactor, was born Hazel Lera Robinson on March 22, 1909, in Coshocton, Ohio, where she grew up with six siblings. She graduated from Rosco High School at age 17, and three months later, she married John Wesley Ruby in 1926.

Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Ruby bought a small grocery store in Newcomerstown, Ohio, which she managed while he worked at Sterling Faucet Co. In 1940, they moved to Morgantown, WV, where J.W. Ruby was put in charge of the Sterling Plant. He became the owner after World War II and operated it until he sold it in 1968.

They soon became involved in numerous endeavors, including agriculture, mining, road paving, poultry processing, feed mills, and raising racehorses and miniature schnauzers. Hazel worked seven days a week when Mr. Ruby was beginning his business ventures. Mr. Ruby died in 1972. After his death, Hazel served as president of Ruby Enterprises, Inc. She later turned her interests toward community service. In 1981, she was remarried to J. Burl “Mac” McQuain.

Hazel Ruby McQuain was devoted to the community development of Morgantown and its surrounding areas. She was a member of numerous local organizations and was active in Wesley United Methodist Church. Her generous contribution provided funds to organize the Morgantown Hospice in 1983. A hybrid alumna of West Virginia University, Fairmont State College and Alderson-Broaddus College in Phillipi, she was a faithful and generous supporter of all three institutions.

Her donations to Morgantown and WVU established programs, recreational facilities, and university chairs. Due to her generous contribution to its development in memory of her husband, Ruby Memorial Hospital, which opened in 1988, is named in his honor. Her generosity also extended to Monongalia General Hospital. Late in life, Hazel was a benevolent supporter of the development of the riverfront. The riverfront park in the Wharf District bears her name.

Hazel Ruby McQuain died June 2002, in Morgantown. Her generosity and support of this community will forever be remembered and appreciated.