Suzanne Ruth Phillips

Suzanne Ruth Black (Phillips)

October 19, 1930 – February 24, 2026

Suzanne Ruth Black (Phillips) lived 95 remarkable years and often said, with a sparkle in her eye, that she had "the best life of anyone I know." And those who knew her would agree - she truly led the princess life.

Born on October 19, 1930, in Chicago, Suzanne moved to Phoenix in 1943, when the desert was still a small and growing town. She grew up alongside the city she loved, graduating from North Phoenix High School and later attending Tempe Normal School (ASU). Phoenix wasn't just where she lived - it was part of her story.

In 1949, she married Leon Springfield Black Jr. at Faith Lutheran Church. Their marriage was the beginning of a full, vibrant life together - one built on fun, family, partnership, and laughter. They created a family that became Mama Sue's greatest pride.

She was the loving mother of Cindy Jaskie (Dr. James Jaskie), Leon Black (Debbie Hughes Black), Wendy Black Rodgers (Will Rodgers), and Michael Phillips Black (Eileen Turk-Black). Her children knew her as strong, steady, tough and supportive - but also quick-witted and funny. Sue had a wonderful sense of humor and a way of delivering a line that would leave the room laughing. She loved a good story, a good gathering, and she loved her family most of all.

Her family grew to include twelve grandchildren: Kristen Jaskie (Nick Berger), Michael Jaskie, Shannon Black Hill (Jason Samuel Hill), Ryan M. Black (Colleen Black), Kimberley Black White (Matt White), Hunter Rodgers (Geri Hormel Rodgers), Wyatt Rodgers, Rhett Rodgers (Carly Blair Casper Rodgers), Taylor Black, Hayden Black, Madison Turk, and Myles Turk (Kat Turk). She delighted in each of them and followed their lives with genuine interest and pride.

She was blessed with twelve great-grandchildren - James Berger, Chantel Hill, Tanner Hill (Christine Hill), Paige White, Autumn White, Brynley White, Geordie Rodgers, Riggs Rodgers, Gwyneth Turk, Vera Turk, Eloise Turk (deceased) and Rollins Turk - and one treasured great-great-grandchild, Eden Hill. To each new baby, she would beam and marvel at how life just kept getting better.

Suzanne was proud of her strong Swedish heritage, carrying forward a legacy of resilience, hospitality, and good health. She owned homes in Scottsdale and at Pine Flats in Oak Creek Canyon, places filled with family gatherings, stories, laughter, and the beauty of Arizona skies. Whether in the desert or the cool pines, she created spaces where everyone felt welcome.

In her later years, she remained in her beloved North Scottsdale home, lovingly cared for by an extraordinary team of caregivers - including Rafa, Selam, Tatyana, and Ora - who became like family. Their devotion allowed her to remain in the home she loved, surrounded by comfort and dignity. To the end, she was also with her favorite companion in the world, Juan, her devoted cockapoo.

The family is also deeply grateful to Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care and support.

Suzanne lived with gratitude. She loved her life - truly loved it - and she never hesitated to say so. She found joy in her marriage, her children, her growing family, and the simple blessing of being together. Her humor, strength, and unwavering love will echo through generations.

If you asked her, she would tell you she had the best life.

And because of her, so many others did too.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.