MORATTICO—Phyllis Brubaker Ruit, 92, of Morattico passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Born on November 25, 1933, Phyllis lived a life marked by hard work, wisdom and a deep devotion to her family.
Phyllis was the beloved wife of Thomas “Tom” Ruit, with whom she shared 69 years of marriage. Together, they raised their family while living in Northern Virginia, where Tom worked refinishing furniture for Capitol Hill. On weekends, they brought their teenage children to Morattico to work on the house they would eventually retire to, building a family home filled with love and cherished memories.
Her home was a place where everyone was welcome. The door was always open, and there was always room for one more at the table. She was known for her world-famous Jell-O molds and strawberry pie, and there were always cookies ready to go. Whether stopping by for a visit or gathering for a family meal, everyone felt at home.
Phyllis loved flowers, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren. From adventures on the dock to treats baked in her kitchen and the memorable perms she gave her grandgirls, she filled family life with moments that would be remembered and retold for years to come. She especially loved her hummingbirds, feeding thousands of them over the years. Wise and genuinely interested in the lives of those she loved, she always wanted to hear how her family was doing. Nothing brought a bigger smile to her face than watching the little ones.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom; and her daughter, Suzanne “Susie” Underwood.
She is survived by her sons, Thomas L. Ruit, Philip Ruit and Robert “Bobby” Ruit; her grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren; and extended family who will carry her memory forward.
Phyllis will be remembered in the family traditions she created, the welcoming home she shared and the countless memories that will bring comfort to those who loved her. She will be deeply missed by her family—and, somewhere out there, by the thousands of hummingbirds who were lucky enough to have known her garden.
A funeral ceremony was held Sunday, October 11, with burial in Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
