Mary Phillips

Mary Ellen (Leas) Phillips passed away in Billings, MT April 10, 2013 at 95. She was born on November 21, 1917 in Veedersburg, IN. She attended Veedersburg schools, Merom College, and graduated from Home Hospital School of Nursing in Lafayette, Indiana. Mary Ellen enjoyed antiques, garage sales, and playing cards. She was a member of DAR. As a nurse, she worked in a hospital, as a private duty nurse and in a doctor's office. She married R. Gordon Phillips in August 1942. During the war, she followed Gordie from base to base working as a private duty nurse. Their first home was in Oxford, Indiana where they formed life-time friendships. An opportunity came to move to her family's farm in Veedersburg (Hen Peck), where she learned to be a farmer's wife and raised four children. Mary Ellen and Gordie retired to Florida where they danced, played cards and traveled. After Gordie passed away, Mary Ellen came to live in Montana to be near family for the last 7 years. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, her brothers and sister. She is survived by her two daughters, Susie (John) Merrill of Bovey, MN, Polly (Doug) Taggart of Billings, MT; two sons, R.G. (Laurie) Phillips of East Park, IN, Tom (Carole Wendler) Phillips of Peru, VT; six grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff at Westpark Village for their care and friendship. Service: Celebration of life will be held 3:30 p.m. at Westpark Village lower level.