Phillips, Mary Ellen (Richards) 1876 – 1944

PHILLIPS, RICHARDS, HENNING, THORNE, THOMAS

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 4/17/2013 at 17:09:46

Source: Cresco Times September 20, 1944, Page 4

Mrs. H. C. Phillips

Mrs. Howard C. Phillips died at Mercy hospital Thursday, Sept. 14, 1944, after a brief illness, her death occurring just ten days after that of her husband, who died September 4th.

Funeral services were held at the Bradley funeral home Sunday afternoon, the Rev. Geo. W. Turner, pastor of the Methodist church, officiating. Rev. and Mrs. Turner sang the hymns “Sweet Bye and Bye” and “Abide With Me” that were sung at Mr. Phillips’ funeral. Mrs. Louis Shafer was the piano accompanist. Burial was in the Phillips cemetery north of Bonair.

Born in Albion Twp.

Mary Ellen Richards, second daughter of Thomas J. and Elizabeth Jane Richards, was born Apr. 4, 1876, on a farm in Albion township, Howard county, Ia., where she grew to womanhood. She was joined in wedlock with Howard Chas. Phillips and to them two children were born, a son Everett E. Phillips of Cresco and a daughter, Lela, who is Mrs. John Henning of Salem, Ore., both of whom survive. Besides them she is survived by her three grandsons, Guy Phillips of Wauna, Ore., Richard Phillips, Master Tech. Sgt., in the Marine Corps, stationed at Newport, Ark., and John Henning, Jr., of Salem, Ore. There is one great grandson, Richard Douglas Phillips, son of Master Tech. Sgt. and Mrs. Richard Phillips. She has two sisters, Mrs. Hanna Phillips of Albion twp., and Mrs. B. E. Thorne of Cresco. There are many other relatives and friends.

Mr. and Mrs. Phillips spent their active years on the home farm in Albion township, retiring 15 years ago and locating in Lime Springs. They bought a home in Cresco and moved here Aug. 2d this year.

Church Worker

Mrs. Phillips joined the Methodist church in early womanhood and continued a faithful member until her death. She was pianist, taught the Women’s Bible class in the Sunday school at Lime Springs Methodist church for many years and held the office of president of the W. C. T. U. of that city. She enjoyed excellent health until her recent illness and found time to participate in many community activities, especially the Red Cross. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. She was 68 years old.

Memorial gifts in her memory were given by the two sisters and the W. C. T. U. of Lime Springs to be used by the Bible Society for the purchase of New Testaments to be sent to boys in the service; the W. S. C. S. of the Lime Springs Methodist church, the local W. C. T. U. and the W. S. C. S. of the Cresco Methodist church.

Her grandson, Master Tech. Sgt. Richard Phillips was here for the funeral. A cousin, Geo. Thomas of Minneapolis was also here.

Card of Thanks

In appreciation of the kindnesses shown us by the many friends and relatives who assisted us in any way, and contributed the beautiful floral offerings, also the many cards of sympathy during the illness and passing or our beloved mother, we wish to sincerely thank you. Mr. and Mrs. John Henning and son, Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Phillips and Family.

Transcribed from a newspaper clipping submitted by Janice Sowers.

Phillips Cemetery
 

Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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