Ruby Aylene Pritchett

Ruby Aylene Pritchett, age 83, of Salina, Oklahoma, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, at her home with her loving family by her side. Ruby was born on October 17, 1942, in Claremore, Oklahoma, to Eugene and Flonnie (Roberts) Partain. She married the love of her life, Gene Pritchett on June 9, 1960, and together they built a life rooted in family, faith, and community. In 1960, during her senior year of high school, Ruby was honored as the Basketball Homecoming Queen—an early reflection of the warmth and grace she carried throughout her life. Ruby dedicated 37 years of service to Salina Public Schools, where she worked as a cook and was known for taking pride in feeding generations of students. In her later years, many in the community came to know her affectionately as the “pie lady” at Norm’s Café, where her homemade pies and wonderful noodles were well-loved. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Salina. Family gatherings were never complete without a game of Pitch, a tradition Ruby dearly loved. She was also a devoted supporter of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, rarely missing a sporting event or school activity. In quieter moments, she enjoyed fishing alongside her husband Gene and cheering on the Oklahoma City Thunder and the University of Oklahoma.

She is survived by her son, Ray Pritchett and wife Peggy of Salina; her daughter, Debra Eubanks and husband Chris of Salina; her sister, Jeri Stevens and husband Gene of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; her grandchildren, Jason Eubanks and wife Laurie, Clayton Eubanks and wife Cierra, LaRae Pritchett and Austin Phillips, and Brant Pritchett; her great-grandchildren, Calvin Eubanks, Karrington Phillips, and Rhett Eubanks; along with many other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly. Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Flonnie Partain; her husband, Gene Pritchett; her sister, Norma Gifford; and her nephew, Billy Smock.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Ross–Mayes Cemetery in Salina, with Reverend Johnny Faught officiating. Casket bearers will be Jason Eubanks, Austin Phillips, Clayton Eubanks, and Brant Pritchett. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Shipman’s Funeral Home in Pryor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ross–Mayes Cemetery Fund. To leave a message of comfort for the family, please visit Ruby’s Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service.