Ruby Susan Houchin Phillips

At the blessed age of 101, Ruby Susan Houchin Phillips passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, October 28, 2026. At the time of her passing, she was residing at Clarksville Rehabilitation Center and Nursing Home in Clarksville, Virginia, where she departed this life of natural causes, surrounded by people who loved her.

A lifelong Christian, Ruby's faith remained an important part of her life. She was a member of Clarksville Baptist Church, where she valued her church family and the ministry throughout her years in Clarksville.

Ruby was born on July 14, 1925, to Elmer and Mattie Houchin on the family's generational farm on Back Mountain in Pocahontas County, near Cass, West Virginia. Throughout her life, she also made her home in South Charleston, West Virginia, and Barryville, Virginia.

An accomplished and talented woman, Ruby was a master of sewing and needlework. She was also a well-known cook and gracious hostess who enjoyed welcoming friends, family, and associates of her husband's real estate business. Beyond her talents at home, Ruby was an accomplished professional in her own right. As a licensed real estate agent, she enjoyed a successful career spanning many decades and remained active in the business at the remarkable age of 88.

Ruby and her husband, Ted, shared a great love for horses, particularly their beautiful Appaloosas and Quarter Horses. Together, they bred and showed horses for many years, beginning on their property, Scarlet Oaks Ranch.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, T.P. Phillips, Jr.; her parents, Elmer and Mattie Houchin; her brothers, Lyle Houchin and Tom Houchin; and her sisters, Crystal Davis and Dolly Milam.

Left to cherish her memory are her nieces, Ann Gardner, Chris Evans, and Carla Bowser, along with other beloved descendants and family members.

The family extends special thanks to the staff on Finch Lane at Clarksville Health and Rehab for the attentive, kind, and compassionate care they provided Ruby during her time there. Special recognition and heartfelt appreciation are also extended to Amedisys Hospice for the care and support Ruby received.

A graveside service will be held to honor Ruby's memory at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 4th, at Oakhurst Cemetery in Clarksville Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Clarksville Baptist Church, where Ruby valued her church family and the ministry throughout her years in Clarksville.

Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home is honored to be handling Ruby's arrangements.