Geraldine Phillips

Geraldine “Gerry” passed away Sunday evening, Dec. 8, 2019, at Edencrest at Beaverdale in Des Moines.

A time of remembrance and celebration of life will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton, conducted by Pastor Paul Smith, Newton First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be an hour prior to the service at the funeral home and the burial in the Newton Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Center for Arts and Artists, 501 W. Third St. N., Newton, Iowa 50208, to Gerry’s family or to a charity of your choosing.

Geraldine Phillips, 87, the daughter of Virgil Oren and Lena H. (Ryals) Shobe, was born April 1, 1932, in Glenwood, Mo. She was a high school graduate.

On April 25, 1953, Gerry was united in marriage with Maurice H. Phillips in Mitchellville. She had devoted her life to her husband and family, as a wife, mother and den mother. She had worked part-time at Vernon Company as an engraver. Gerry was a member of the Newton First United Methodist Church and St. Luke United Methodist, the Elk’s Club, was involved with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, the Republican Party, PTA, travel, golf, her children and grandchildren. She was known to pitch a high velocity fastball, as well as an occasional snowball, had a good sense of humor and a friend to most.

Gerry is survived by her sons, Ron (Nancy) Phillips of Des Moines, Thomas (Diane) Phillips of Norwalk and Charles (Lynn) Phillips of Tucson, Ariz.; her seven grandchildren; her sister and brother, Oren and Inez. Gerry was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, David; her husband, Maurice on July 17, 2016; sisters and a brother, Martha, Rosemary and Larry.

Online condolences may be left for the family at pencefh.com.