Ruby Franke shared her life as a mother of six on her YouTube channel, 8 Passengers. This was before her arrest in August 2023 on aggravated child abuse charges.
At that time, she had separated from her husband, Kevin Franke. They have six children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve. Kevin has since filed for divorce.
While Kevin insists he did nothing wrong, Ruby’s sister, Bonnie Hoellein, criticizes him. In a September 2023 YouTube video, she said he didn’t “check in on things.” Bonnie and their siblings, Julie Deru and Ellie Mecham, claimed they tried to ensure the kids’ safety behind the scenes.
In December 2023, Ruby pleaded guilty to child abuse. Court documents revealed she admitted to holding one child’s head underwater. Shocking details included starvation, forced labor, and other forms of torture.
Both Ruby and her former business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, are sentenced to serve up to 60 years in prison for “torturing” the children. Get to know Ruby’s family members below.
Quick Facts Ruby Franke Kids and Family
| Ruby Franke kids names | Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, Eve |
| Ruby Franke kids ages | 21, 19, 17, 15, 13, 10 |
| Ruby Franke husband | Kevin Franke |
| Ruby Franke daughter | Shari Franke |
| Ruby Franke oldest child | Shari Franke |
| Ruby Franke now | Convicted felon, serving time |
Ruby Franke’s Six Children: Discover the Family of the Controversial YouTuber During Child Abuse Investigation
Meet the Ruby Franke family:
1. Shari Franke
Ruby and Kevin’s eldest child, Shari, was born in March 2003. Her interests included softball and solving Rubik’s cubes quickly. The family documented her activities on their YouTube channel. In 2018, Shari created her channel.
By the time Ruby was arrested, Shari was estranged from her mother. She expressed her feelings on Instagram, saying, “Finally.” Shari added, “Today has been a big day. My family and I are glad justice is being served. We’ve tried to tell the police and CPS for years. We’re relieved they finally stepped up.”
In October, Shari updated her followers on her mental health. She stated that “therapy saved [her],” and her life felt “more beautiful and fulfilling, despite all the terrible things happening.”
2. Chad Franke
Ruby and Kevin’s oldest son. He made headlines in 2020 when he claimed he slept on a beanbag for months. This was after his “bedroom was taken away” due to pranks he played on his younger brother, Russell.
In a now-deleted video, Chad’s parents said he could sleep on a pullout guest bed, an inflatable mattress, or elsewhere in the house. At the time, Kevin defended this parenting choice.
In an interview with Insider, Kevin, then an associate professor, stated that Chad had been engaging in “physically and emotionally damaging behavior” before the punishment.
3. Abby Franke
Ruby gave birth to her third child, Abby, in April 2007. The family documented Abby’s skin struggles on their YouTube channel. Ruby filmed Abby’s “physically painful” breakouts.
In a resurfaced video, Ruby praised her daughter, saying, “I’m so proud of you for being so grounded.” She added, “What really matters in life is not your skin, your looks, or anything outside. It’s who you are.”
4. Julie Franke
In her guilty plea, Ruby admitted to telling one of her sons he was “evil and possessed.” She claimed the punishment was to help him “repent.”
Ruby also stated she did the same to one of her daughters but did not identify which daughter it was.
5. Russell Franke
Ruby and Kevin’s youngest son during their birthday celebration in a now-deleted video, Kevin praised Russell for being “mature.” He highlighted Russell’s “ability to empathize and connect with others.”
Ruby also shared her thoughts, saying, “I like Russell’s sincerity.
6. Eve Franke
Ruby and Kevin’s sixth child, daughter Eve, was born in September 2013. One time, Eve forgot to pack her school lunch. Ruby made headlines for refusing to bring it to her, wanting to teach Eve a lesson.
The Story of Ruby Franke: From Beloved Momfluencer to Convicted Felon
Ruby Franke was once a popular “momfluencer” known for sharing her family life on YouTube. Her channel, 8 Passengers, showcased her six children and their daily adventures. Many fans admired her parenting style and her close-knit family.
As the investigation unfolded, shocking details emerged. Ruby was accused of mistreating her children. Reports revealed that her daughter had been held underwater and other cruel punishments had been inflicted. Ruby’s arrest shocked her followers, who had admired her online persona.
Before her arrest, Ruby had separated from her husband, Kevin Franke. He filed for divorce, citing concerns over their children’s well-being. Ruby’s sister, Bonnie, also spoke out, criticizing Kevin for not doing enough to protect the kids. In court, Ruby admitted to her wrongdoings. She pleaded guilty to child abuse, acknowledging the pain she caused.
After her guilty plea, Ruby faced a long sentence. She and her former business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, were sentenced to serve up to 60 years in prison. The story of Ruby Franke is a chilling reminder of how someone can go from a beloved online figure to a convicted felon.
It raises questions about the reality behind social media and the importance of child safety. Ruby’s journey serves as a warning about the dangers that can lurk behind a seemingly perfect family image.
Ruby Franke Kids Ages
- Shari Franke – Born March 2003 (21 years old)
- Chad Franke – Born February 2005 (19 years old)
- Abby Franke – Born April 2007 (17 years old)
- Julie Franke – Born January 2009 (15 years old)
- Russell Franke – Born July 2011 (13 years old)
- Eve Franke – Born September 2013 (10 years old)
FAQs
What are the names of ruby franke children?
- Shari Franke
- Chad Franke
- Abby Franke
- Julie Franke
- Russell Franke
- Eve Franke
What is the name of Ruby Franke oldest children?
Ruby Franke’s oldest child is Shari Franke.
What is the current situation of Julie and Abby Franke?
Julie and Abby Franke have faced challenges due to their mother’s legal issues and are reportedly safe with their father, Kevin.