Sublette - Ruth Adele Phoenix, 87, died January 2, 2023 at Good Samaritan Society in Olathe. She was born on October 14, 1935 in Garden City, the daughter of Robert C. and Hedwig M. (Krug) Messerly.

Ruth was a lifetime resident of Sublette. She graduated from Sublette High School in 1953. On January 31, 1954, she was united in marriage to Bill Gene Phoenix. He preceded her in death on November 7, 1984. To this union, six children were born, Denice, Robert, Shannon, Tonya, Todd, and Patrick.

Ruth stayed at home to care for her family. She was an integral part of Phoenix Trucking, helping her husband with running the family business. She also owned a clothing store in Sublette with her son, Shannon. In later years, Ruth worked as a secretary for Sublette Elementary School. Ruth enjoyed her afternoon "Coffee Gang" for cards, dominoes, and friendship. Ruth loved having her children and grandchildren around her, creating very special memories with them.

Ruth was an active member of the Sublette United Methodist Church and UMW.

She is survived by a son, Shannon Phoenix and partner, Jim Doscher of De Soto; a daughter, Tonya Thayer and husband Shawn of Olathe; brother, Don Messerly and wife Becky of Sublette; daughter -in-law, Valerie Phoenix of Eudora; nine grandchildren, Michael Crossman, Chase Thayer, Trey Thayer and wife Natalie, Taylor Matthews and husband Clark, Tasha Sabata and husband Preston, Tawnny Phoenix, Inde Phoenix, Salym Phoenix, and Brosnan Phoenix; great grandchildren, Bowie Thayer, Grey Matthews, Evelyn Sabata, Anberlin Gabler, Ava Lynn Small, and Phoenix White, She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; daughter, Denice Phoenix; sons, Robert, Todd, and Patrick Phoenix; brothers, Robert and Jerry Messerly; and a grandson, Shaun Ruddle.

Funeral service will be held at Sublette United Methodist Church on Monday January 9, 2023 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Terry Mayhew presiding. Burial will follow at Haskell County Cemetery, Sublette. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Sublette on Sunday January 8, 2023 from noon to 6;00 PM. Memorials are suggested to USD 374 for the Little Larks Nest Daycare or Sublette United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com