Ruth M. Phillips
Ruth M. Phillips, 89, of Marianna, went to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on the 21st day of May, 2021, in Harleysville. Ruth was born January 15, 1932, in Marianna, the daughter of Harry and Margaret Ansell.
Ruth attended West Bethlehem High, where she met her future husband, the Rev. Carl H. Phillips. She faithfully supported him as he pastored churches in Fremont and Steubenville, Ohio and Marianna and Vinco. She was heavily involved in children’s ministry, leading children’s church, working in vacation Bible school and conducting an after-school Bible class for children.
Ruth’s greatest pride and joy were her six children whom she was very proud. She also loved her grandchildren and especially enjoyed playing with her great-grandchildren.
Ruth was known for being an outstanding mother and had a reputation for having excellent baking skills. Her fruit pies are unsurpassed for their flaky crust and perfect taste. She had a strong work ethic and eschewed laziness. She enjoyed her collection of Lucille Ball dolls and sock monkeys and was quite fond of fine chocolate. She had a keen sense of humor and quick wit that will be greatly missed.
Ruth is survived by her six children, Roy (Sherry) Phillips of McCormick, S.C., Byron (Sandra) Phillips of Perkiomenville, Susan (Raymond) Hagerich of Green Lane, Chaplain Carl Mark (Deanna) Phillips of Springfield, Va., Jane (Bill) Raihala of Hammond, Wis. and Saundra (Greg) Linton of Chetek, Wis.
She is also survived by 24 grandchildren, Lauren (Ian) Cartwright of Farmington Hills, Mich., Jared Phillips of Bloomer, Wis., Rachel (Michael) Griesinger of San Marcos, Calif., Alice (Anthony) Thornhill of Sellersville, Sally (Michael) Fox of Pottstown, Abraham Phillips of Perkiomenville, Noah (Katie) Phillips of Perkiomenville, Amber (Steve) Rich of Perkiomenville, Clark Hagerich of Perkiomenville, Lynnea Phillips of Bloomington, Ind., Leah Phillips of South Bend, Ind., Luke (April) Phillips of Groton, Conn., Celeste Raihala of Hammond, Wis., Susan (James) Bingham of Cleveland, Wis., Nellie (Austin) Hutchinson of Hudson, Wis., Lucy (Elijah) Richmond of Xenia, Ohio, Mick Raihala of Hammond, Wis., Ann Raihala of Hammond, Wis., Abram Linton of Mosinee, Wis., Benjamin Linton of Chetek, Wis., Samuel Linton of Mosinee, Wis., Dora Linton of Mosinee, Wis. and Eve Linton of Chetek, Wis. In addition, she is survived by her brother, Earl Ansell; as well as 29 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Margaret Ansell; her husband of 67 years, Carl H. Phillips; her favorite brother, Richard (JoAn) Ansell and another brother, Harold Ansell. Ruth was also preceded in death by her oldest grandson, Jesse Carl Phillips; and her daughter-in-law, Kathleen Jones Phillips.
Funeral services and internment will be held in the Highland Brethren Church, Marianna, at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 29. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. before the service. Family and friends are cordially invited. A guest book may be signed at www.nicholfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Highland Brethren Church, 450 Highland Ridge Road, Marianna, PA 15345.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Peter Becker Community, Grand View Hospice and the Nichol Funeral Home for all of the care and service.