Mary Phillips

Mary E Phillips, of St. Johns, MI died on January 31, 2014 at her home in Fulton Township, Gratiot County, Michigan at the age of 95 years. She was born on July 7, 1918 in Lebanon Township of Clinton County, Michigan the youngest child of James and Inez (VanSickle) Wright.

She grew up on the family farm, and graduated from Maple Rapids High School in 1936. It was in high school that she met her future husband, Parmer R. Phillips. They were married on April 15, 1938 at the Congregational Christian Church parsonage in Maple Rapids. Following their marriage, they moved to the Phillips family farm/orchard in Fulton Township, Gratiot County, Michigan, where they resided together until his death in January 2007. She remained there until her death. Her most prized accomplishment was the love and appreciation of her family.

As a young bride and mother, she helped on the family farm by helping care for the animals, having a large garden from which she canned and froze food to provide for her family. She also helped in the sale of the fruits at the farm until she was in her 90's. Some of her hobbies and talents were, cooking, sewing, gardening, raising flowers, quilting. When she could no longer attend her flower beds and garden, she was very disappointed. She loved to sew, using the old Singer sewing machine she had received as a wedding gift rather than the newer machine with multiple stitch options. She continued sewing for charity and had made lap quilts, receiving blankets, "pillowcase" dresses, aprons, etc. She made quilts that she quilted by hand for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and had already made some ahead for the anticipated great-great grandchildren. She was a lifelong member of the Salem United Methodist Church, where she enjoyed making flower arrangements during the growing season, playing the piano and organ and participating in the United Methodist Women.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years Parmer Phillips, daughter Kathleen Phillips, parents and four brothers, Kenneth, Keith, Clayton and Donald Wright and their spouses.

Mary is survived by her daughter Priscilla Fox of California, son Dennis (Gayla Johnson) Phillips of St. Johns, Michigan, nine grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at the Salem United Methodist Church at 2307 W Maple Rapids Road, St. Johns, MI with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. Visitation will be from 1-3 pm. followed by funeral service which will be held on Thursday, February 6th at 3:00 pm. There will be a fellowship time with light refreshments following the service. Family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be given to, Threads of Love for Haiti, 8070 Bloomer St, Carson City, MI. 48811. The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.