40 From Our 40: Mary Frances Rubly
Mary Frances Rubly and son, Jerry
Mary Frances Rubly and her son Jerry began giving to the Ronald McDonald House in 2006. “It makes Jerry and I happy to be there helping children and their families. The thought of them struggling to afford long hotel stays breaks our hearts. We love that they can stay close to the hospital in a home away from home, shares Mary Frances.”
No stranger to tough times, Mary Frances grew up on the south side of Indianapolis. “Happy, but poor. I didn’t know it at the time, but looking back, we were. Most of our time was home together in the yard or garden. Our garden was plentiful and it sustained us. I remember sharing vegetables with families that needed them. It was a good feeling.”
Over the years, Mary Frances and Jerry have developed friendships with staff at the House. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet great people because I’m a donor. I’m most proud of making sure the House is in my estate plans so that the good work for families continues long after I’m gone. You can’t take it with you, you know.”