Ruby Emaline (Calhoon) Phillips
May 15, 1937 – October 16, 2024
Ruby Emaline (Calhoon) Phillips, born on May 15, 1937, in Speed, Kansas, to Willis William and Ruby Grace (Lindenmuth) Calhoon, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Sunset Nursing Center in Concordia, Kansas. She was the eldest of six children and spent her early years in various communities across Phillips County, Kansas. Ruby attended several one-room schools, completing the 8th grade, which was customary for the time. She had many fond memories of the rural areas where she grew up.
Ruby began her adult life when she married Alfred Hunziker, and together they had one daughter, Debra Sue Hunziker. Sadly, Alfred passed away in 1954, shortly after Debra’s birth, due to an accident while working on the construction of the Kirwin Dam. Ruby later married George L. Phillips on December 14, 1955, at the Wesleyan Church in Phillipsburg, Kansas. As a young wife and mother, she traveled across the country following George’s Army and Navy career, raising their family along the way.
Despite feeling insecure about her limited formal education, Ruby made up for it with her skills as a dedicated homemaker. Known for her meticulousness, she excelled in keeping a pristine household, impressing others with her impeccable “white glove” standards. Ruby was known for her warm, welcoming nature and made countless friends among the wives of fellow service members, often helping with babysitting while exchanging and learning new cooking and sewing techniques.
One of Ruby’s most cherished recipes was her authentic Italian red sauce, affectionately known as “Ma’s spaghetti sauce,” a family favorite that no one has quite been able to replicate. She was a talented cook, and her homemade noodles, pies, and holiday stuffing are dearly missed. She was always on a quest to perfect her pie crusts, despite already being known for baking the best pies. Ruby was also an accomplished seamstress and laundress; she made many of her children’s clothes, as well as wedding gowns for her daughter and granddaughter, and a scaled-down replica of Princess Diana’s iconic dress for her daughter-in-law, Diana.
In addition to her love for sewing, Ruby enjoyed crocheting, gardening, cooking, and preserving traditional ways of doing things. She was a passionate collector of patterns and materials, often joking, “the one with the most patterns wins.” Ruby’s love for her family was immense, and while she adored her children, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immense joy. She was always there to support her siblings and children whenever they needed her. She also had a deep appreciation for the old Western genre, loving John Wayne movies, Louis L’Amour books, and classic Western music.
After George’s military career began winding down, Ruby hoped to set down roots near her parents in Glade, Kansas, in the early 1970s. However, when George accepted a permanent position with the National Weather Service in Concordia, Kansas, they moved house and all in 1978. Ruby embraced the new chapter by planting a large orchard of fruit trees and a massive garden, where she spent many years canning and preserving the fruits of their labor.
Ruby is survived by her husband, George L. Phillips, Concordia, Kansas, daughter, Debra Sue Hunziker-Chapman of Wakefield, Kansas, and her children: Courtney; her children Keauna, Cordel, Kaden, Kingsly, and Kelis; Cody Parks and his daughter, Macy; Cole Chapman, and Cale Chapman.
She is also survived by her sons and their families:
– Charles A. (Diana) Phillips of Wamego, Kansas, and daughters Kyley Phillips (Anthony Fresquez), Elizabeth (Ted) Beauchamp and their children Audrey, Wyatt, Samantha, and Quinn, Mariaha (Drew) Sweany and their children Hunter, Hazel, and Holden, and Madeline (Brock) Harvey.
– Michael G. (Judy) Phillips of Glendale, AZ, and their son David (Jolyn) and children Summer, Kye, Jared, and Daniel (Kaylee) and their daughter Bailey, as well as Aspen (Jacob) and daughter Katie, with Katie’s children Destiny, David, James, and Cassie.
– Mark Phillips of Mesa, AZ, and his children Brandi (Ryan) Stacy and their children Mara and Quinn, daughter Danielle (Alejandro) Lucera, and son Alec (Jordona) Phillips.
Also survived by Lona’s daughter, Tonya (Kenny) Budke of Concordia, Kansas, who Ruby and George raised after Lona’s passing. Tonya and Kenny’s daughters are Brittany (Matthew) Anderson, with children Kynlee, Emery, Cambry, and Kace; Morgan (Adam) Trost, with children Justus, Kyla, and Gracie; Victoria (Michael) Thomas; and Hailey Budke (Chas Carlgren).
In addition, she is survived by her sisters Vicki (Dave) Weller of Westminster, Colorado, and Sandra Calhoon (Don) of Phillipsburg, Kansas; her brother Wilbur (Donna) Calhoon of Wales, Utah; her sister-in-law Karalee Calhoon of Glade, Kansas; and her sister-in-law Sherry Calhoon of Phillipsburg, Kansas.
Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, Willis and Ruby Calhoon, her daughter Lona Winstead, son-in-law John Chapman, and two brothers, Donald and Wilmer Calhoon.
Ruby’s family and friends will remember her for her warmth, generosity, and the incredible love she had for those close to her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and cherished memories. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
