Ruby L. Harrington

Ruby L. Harrington , 88, of Turpin, OK entered into rest on Monday, February 12, 2024 at Liberal Good Samaritan Center.

She was born at the family home on May 20, 1935 near Turpin, OK to George Lee and Anna (Kroeker) Windsor.

Ruby accepted Jesus as her Lord & Savior when she was a young teen and was baptized in Sharp Creek, south of Turpin.

She was a long-time member of First Church of God and South Church of God, both in Liberal. If the doors were open for services or special events, Ruby was there. She loved volunteering her time as church secretary & bookkeeper. Liberal Camp Meeting was a highlight of her summers. She volunteered at the revival in various capacities. She also volunteered regularly during chapel services at the Good Samaritan Society, in Liberal. Ruby taught her children to love and serve the Lord, to never underestimate the power of prayer or the smallest act of kindness. She loved Jesus. Her desire was for everyone to come to accept Christ into their hearts as taught to us in John 3:16-17 and John 14:6. Attending church, enjoying Christian music and going to concerts were among her favorites.

Ruby was one of seven children born at home and was raised in the Turpin area. After graduating from Turpin High School in 1953, Ruby traveled to Houston to attend nursing school. A military boyfriend interrupted those long-term plans and proposed to her through the mail. After an extended courtship, Ruby married Hubert Harrington on October 13, 1956, in Liberal. Her girls would later tell her she was the first mail order bride. At the time, Hubert was serving in the U.S. Air Force. It was then, Ruby learned of her love for adventure and travel. The place they would first call home together was Shreveport, LA. They would later move to Colorado Springs, CO. They along with their children lived in several states as well as Japan. In the spring of 1960, Ruby flew alone with a toddler and a 10-week-old infant to Okinawa, Japan to join Hubert, who was already stationed there. They would live there for 2 1/2 years. After returning to the United States, they lived in AZ, TX, NM, OK and FL. After Hubert’s military retirement, they moved back to the Oklahoma Panhandle to raise their children and enjoy their newfound love of farming. Throughout her life, Ruby held several jobs. Her first being a Nurse’s Aide at Epworth Hospital in Liberal. Upon returning to the Turpin area after Hubert retired, she went to work for Beech Aircraft as an Aircraft Riveter. Her kids called her “Ruby the Riveter”. She also held positions such as housekeeper, dental assistant, clerk, and an assistant to a tax accountant, among others.

Ruby and Hubert were married for 43 years before Hubert’s passing in 1999.

An avid sports fan, Ruby played basketball for Turpin High School. As her family grew, she loved watching and cheering for her children at their various sports and activities. She would often travel to the Kansas City area to watch her grandsons participate in their sporting and marching band events. In later years Ruby and her brother, Carl, would often be seen at Turpin High School and SCCC sporting events. It didn’t really matter what sport, she just loved watching them. Ruby loved her friends throughout the Turpin and Liberal communities. She enjoyed daily car rides around town and rural areas, recalling fond memories.

Ruby is survived by her daughters, Lorie Harrington of Turpin, OK., Marilyn Maris and husband Joe of Lenexa, KS, grandsons, Derek Maris of Fayetteville, AR. Seth (and Stefania) Maris of Kansas City, MO, Kerry Maris of Overland Park, KS. siblings, Mary Ann Bush, Elkhart, KS and Les (and Bobbi) Windsor, Griffin, GA, and many, many nieces and nephews.

Ruby is preceded in death by her parents, Lee & Anna Windsor, husband, John “Hubert” Harrington, son, Paul Harrington, brothers, Lowell, Carl & Sam Windsor, sisters, Dora Windsor & Joyce Thrasher and grand-daughter, Bethany Maris.

Viewing will be 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday February 16, 2024 at Miller Mortuary with the family present to receive friends from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

Funeral Service will be 10:00am Saturday, February 17, 2024 at the South Church of God in Liberal. Interment will be held at Restlawn Cemetery following the service.

The family would like to thank the entire Good Samaritan staff for their kind and compassionate care shown to Ruby and her family. Their tireless work has not gone unnoticed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your local church, veteran’s organization, or favorite charity in Ruby’s name.

Miller Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.