Ruby Flickinger

All who knew Ruby Flickinger will certainly agree that she truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a shining example of kindness and grace, and she spoke her mind with love. Nothing brought Ruby greater happiness than surrounding herself with her family. As a warm, welcoming presence in her community, she was always looking for ways to serve others. Her solid work ethic formed the foundation of all that she did. Dearly missed, Ruby will be forever loved and remembered.

The early 1930s were tumultuous years for those living in the United States. The Great Depression hung heavy over the country, and families all across the nation had to pull together and find creative ways to try to thrive in their time of need. During this difficult time, however, Luther and Annie May (Simons) Dunn of Longview, Texas, had much to celebrate as they welcomed their first daughter into their arms. Born on January 15, 1932, Ruby was the second child, joining her older brother, Robert. The Dunn family would later grow to include two more children, Jean and Jerry Ann. Despite not being the oldest, Ruby was the natural leader of her siblings.

Throughout her childhood, Ruby was a typical girl of her generation in many ways. The family moved from Texas to Michigan when she was young, so many of her formative years were spent in Michigan. They tended to a family garden, which would grow into a lifelong passion for Ruby. She was especially close to her father growing up, and he taught her to drive. Ruby always looked back fondly on her memories of driving out to the country and enjoying snacks of butter sugar sandwiches. As a young woman, she worked at a local restaurant, waitressing on roller skates. Ruby also followed her heart to nursing school and worked tirelessly to become a licensed practical nurse.

New and exciting changes were in store for Ruby as she met the man who would quickly become the love of her life. His name was Calvin Flickinger, and he was a regular customer at the restaurant where she worked. Calvin would always sit in her section, and his good looks soon caught Ruby’s attention. They eventually began dating, and she knew immediately that Calvin was the guy for her. The rest was history. Ruby and Calvin were married after a short four months of dating, more than ready to spend the rest of their lives together. They were deeply committed to each other and complemented one another perfectly. Where Calvin was laid back, Ruby had enough energy for the both of them. But it was their undying devotion to each other that was truly the key to their happiness.

In the years to come, Ruby and Calvin were overjoyed to bring their two children, Brian and Paula, into their hearts and home. She thrived in her role as a mother, and she devoted herself to raising her kids to be strong and hardworking individuals. Ruby taught her daughter, Paula, how to keep a home. Paula would eventually follow in her mother’s footsteps to work in the medical field, a testament to Ruby’s legacy.

Later in life, she was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. Ruby adored her grandchildren, and they were her greatest pride and joy. She loved taking care of the grandkids so that Paula could pour into her career. Ruby would take her grandchildren camping or to plays. She never missed an activity or special event. Ruby looked forward to doing projects with her great-grandkids. She was a trusted confidant and a listening ear, and she always had great wisdom and encouragement to offer.

Throughout her working years, Ruby built a fulfilling career for herself in nursing. She was wholly dedicated to caring for those who needed her help in any way she could, and her compassion made her an excellent nurse. Even after she retired, Ruby found that nursing was still very much a part of who she was. She was always the nurse at home, ready to answer any questions or give advice. Ruby also volunteered at a local free health clinic alongside her granddaughter. She truly had a heart for people.

Never one to sit still for long, Ruby had many hobbies to keep her busy in her free time. She loved crafting, cross-stitching, and crocheting. Ruby would handmake her own decorations, and she often made costumes for her kids and grandkids. She had an eye for a good sale and was always on the lookout for a deal. Ruby thoroughly enjoyed giving gifts, and everyone quickly learned just how to unwrap her presents in a particular way, so she could save the paper! She was an avid fan of many sports, including baseball, figure skating, and NASCAR, and she loved the Detroit Tigers and the Kalamazoo Kings. Ruby enjoyed traveling to various state parks and many locations around the world, including Las Vegas, Arizona, the Bahamas, and Cancun. She especially loved visiting the beach and soaking in the sun. Ruby had a place of her own in Florida for many years, where she became an amazing shuffleboard player. In recent years, she found companionship and joy with her special friend, Richard Emery.

With a journey that spanned times of war and peace, times of plenty and want, Ruby Flickinger never lost sight of what truly mattered through it all. She was a constant source of strength, no matter the circumstances, and she always held her beloved friends and family close. When Ruby saw a need in the world around her, she did her best to fill it. She was willing to go above and beyond to serve those around her, and her heart of service made an impact on so many. Although she is already so missed, Ruby leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Ruby Flickinger of Kalamazoo, age 93, died on June 20, 2025. Ruby was born January 15, 1932 in Longview, Texas to Luther and Annie May (Simons) Dunn. She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin; her son, Brian Flickinger; siblings: Robert Dunn and Jean Warren; and her special friend, Richard Emery. Surviving are her daughter, Paula (Chris) Purcell; grandchildren: Jessica (Shawn) Kiewiet and Samantha (Tim) Kirkpatrick; great-grandchildren: Ben, Ezra, Jack, and Oliver; sister, Jerry Ann Meisling; and nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday, June 27 at 11 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 3000 W. Main St., Kalamazoo. A reception will follow at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900 where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Burial at Mount Ever Rest Memorial Park. Celebrate Ruby’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries or the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop.