Ruby Phyllis (Huttsell) Spencer

Ruby Phyllis (Huttsell) Spencer, 93, of Hicks Ridge passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at her home in Ripley County. She was born near Saluda in Jefferson County on February 22, 1927 the daughter of Bloomfield and Clara Ellen Tafflinger Huttsell. She was married to David Ora Spencer on May 10, 1947 and he preceded her in death on July 5, 2011.

Survivors include one son Jerry Spencer of Hicks Ridge; four daughters Karen (Phillip) LeGrand of Mary Esther, Florida, Phyllis Michele Spencer of New York City, Jane (William) Spencer-Pierce of Salem, and Ann Spencer-King of Versailles; 7 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Walter, Wayne, William, James, and Charles Hutsell, and her sisters Sopha Beck, Bertha Benham, and Hazel Vestal.

Ruby was a graduate of Saluda High School. Together, she and David managed their Ripley County farm and Ruby shared his pride in 1966 when he received the Greener Pastures Award through the ASCS. During her child rearing years she served as a 4-H leader with neighbor Audrey Thieman. She spent many summers assisting her children in 4-H projects including forestry, entomology, flowers, food, and clothing.

In later years she took special joy in the hummingbirds that returned each year outside her kitchen window. She especially enjoyed quilting and antiques. She was fond of the family’s various pets, and leaves behind her beloved black Labrador Hershey. Ruby was a member of the former Hicks Ridge Baptist Church and attended the Shelby Christian Church. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Benham Bluebells Home Ec club, and the Hicks Ridge Baptist Church Ladies Aide.

A private graveside service was held on Saturday, March 28th at the Benham Cemetery with Pastor Jeffery Pflug of the Faith Lutheran Church in Madison officiating. Memorials may be given to the Benham Cemetery or the Shelby Christian Church in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. A public Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at a later date. Friends may call the funeral home at 812-689-1171 to have a Hugs from Home card filled out to convey your condolences to the Spencer family.