If you lived in Port Charles, you could always count on Ruby for a good cup of coffee and a shoulder to cry on
or a room to crash in if you needed it.
She was also good for a stern reprimand if she thought you deserved it.

Justice, decency, compassion and a fair deal for the underdog was her creed.
Ruby was someone you'd like to know, someone you'd be lucky to have as a friend or relative, because Ruby Anderson would love you unconditionally and stand fearlessly by you when the chips were down.

Ruby, like Norma, was a devoted friend and fearless advocate. In a word, she was courageous. Her courage was generous and infectious; just knowing her gave others courage. Am I talking about Ruby now or Norma? I forget.

"Norma Connlly's Ruby Anderson graciously supported and animated the life and times of mythical Port Charles for 20 years. They were two tough-crusted cookies with one enormous marshmallow heart.

"I wager that during the last 20 years on General Hospital, Norma inadvertently, and/or intentionally, taught more young actors their craft than most of the schools and acting labs in Los Angeles. No kidding, for a while there, Kelly's Diner looked a lot like 'Norma's Acting Emporium'.

"And so, now I must stand alone in Kelly's Diner. It's dark… cold.. the doors are locked… the jukebox unplugged.
Stacks of dirty dishes rattle 'goodnight' on their way to the kitchen for soaking and scrubing.
The never-empty coffeepot hits an unprecedented bottom, Cacophonies of endless dialogue fade around me, only the sound of Norma's deep, soothing voice remains.

"I am a caveat, sweeheart," I hear her say. "I am a sturdy old lighthouse with a stubborn, unquenchable beacon.
I'll always be here, in your heart, reminding you to beware the rocky, ragged shore of indifference.
Beware the ever-swirling winds of false and foggy judgement. Beware of the ebbing tides of foolish pride and self-delusion. Be ever aware, alert, on guard against a closed and remote heart.
Raise your head, your hopes; have courage, keep focused, be determined… there is life and grace in the eye of every hurricane.
I was living proof."