Ruby Franke Net Worth, From YouTube Stardom To Legal Turmoil

Ruby Franke, born on January 18, 1982, in Utah, United States, once stood as a prominent figure in the realm of family vlogging. As the face of the YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” she offered viewers a window into her family’s daily life, amassing a significant following. However, beneath the curated content lay a series of events that would lead to her dramatic downfall.

Early Life and Family Dynamics

Growing up in Utah, Ruby was raised in a family deeply rooted in the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This religious foundation played a pivotal role in shaping her values and parenting philosophies. Ruby married Kevin Franke, and together they had six children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve. The family’s strong religious beliefs were often interwoven into their daily routines and content, resonating with a vast audience seeking wholesome family entertainment.

The Emergence of “8 Passengers”

In early 2015, Ruby and Kevin launched “8 Passengers,” a YouTube channel dedicated to chronicling their family’s experiences. Posting five days a week at 6:00 a.m., the channel quickly gained traction. By June 2020, it boasted approximately 2.5 million subscribers and had garnered over a billion views. The content ranged from daily routines and family adventures to parenting advice, positioning Ruby as a relatable mother figure to many.

Controversial Parenting Practices

As the channel’s popularity soared, so did scrutiny over Ruby’s parenting methods. In 2020, concerns escalated when 16-year-old Chad revealed he had been banned from his bedroom and made to sleep on a beanbag for seven months as punishment. Other alarming practices included withholding food, sending a child to a wilderness camp for troubled teens, threatening to decapitate a stuffed toy, and informing two of her children that Santa Claus would not be bringing them gifts because they were too “numb” to respond to other punishments. These revelations led to a Change.org petition accusing the Frankes of child abuse and neglect. In response, Ruby and Kevin defended their disciplinary measures, asserting that incidents were taken out of context. Despite their defense, the channel’s popularity waned in 2021.

Professional and Personal Upheaval

The year 2022 marked significant changes for the Franke family. Ruby and Kevin separated, with Kevin moving out of the family home. Subsequently, Ruby deleted the “8 Passengers” channel and began collaborating with Jodi Hildebrandt, a counselor, at ConneXions—a company offering mental health coaching. Together, they launched a new video channel and an Instagram account titled “Moms of Truth,” providing parenting classes. Observations from neighbors and the Frankes’ eldest daughter, Shari, about the children being left alone frequently led authorities to conduct welfare checks.

Legal Entanglements and Conviction

The situation reached a critical point on August 30, 2023, when Ruby and Jodi were arrested in Washington County, Utah. They faced six counts of felony aggravated child abuse involving two of Ruby’s children. The charges stemmed from severe allegations, including malnutrition and physical abuse. On February 20, 2024, Ruby pleaded guilty to four counts and received a sentence ranging from four to thirty years in prison.

Family Aftermath

In the wake of these events, the Franke family faced profound challenges. Kevin filed for divorce in November 2023, after more than a year of separation. He later sued Jodi Hildebrandt, alleging her influence led to the abuse of his children and the disintegration of their family. The Frankes’ eldest children, Shari and Chad, have been vocal about their experiences, participating in interviews and documentaries to shed light on the family’s internal dynamics. Shari, in particular, authored a memoir titled “The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom,” detailing her journey and the impact of her mother’s actions.

Media Portrayals and Public Perception

Ruby’s story has been the subject of various media projects. In 2024, Lifetime released a movie titled “Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story,” depicting the events leading to her conviction. However, the film faced criticism from the Franke children, who claimed they were not consulted and that the portrayal could further harm the victims. Additionally, Hulu premiered a docuseries, “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke,” on February 27, 2025, featuring firsthand accounts from family members and those close to the situation.

Current Status and Reflections

As of February 2025, Ruby Franke remains incarcerated at the Utah State Correctional Facility. Her case serves as a cautionary tale about the potential perils of publicizing private family matters and the unforeseen consequences of online fame. The Franke family’s journey underscores the importance of ethical parenting, the responsibilities that come with digital influence, and the profound impact of personal choices on loved ones.

In reflecting on Ruby Franke’s trajectory—from a celebrated family vlogger to a convicted individual—the narrative highlights the complexities of family dynamics, the dangers of unchecked authority, and the critical need for vigilance in safeguarding children’s welfare in both private and public spheres.