Nellie Ruth (Banks) Phillips

After a fall at home, Ruth Phillips, 95, passed, June 14, 2013, at 8:45 p.m. at a local care facility. Ruth was born on January 31, 1918, in Cainsville MO. She was the daughter of Elsie (Wood) Banks and William L. Banks. Ruth attended schools in Missouri and Iowa, most often taught by her mother. Ruth graduated from high school at the age of 15. She lived in the Cainsville area until she married D.H. Phillips of Stanberry, Missouri, on February 11, 1936. They were happily married nearly 60 years. Ruth and D.H. lived in Topeka for 25 years and the rural Auburn area over 30 years. They enjoyed dancing and entertaining. She was active in Eastern Star, rising through the chairs and together they were active with the Shriners. She taught Sunday School at the Oakland United Methodist Church, was a Cub Scout den mother and part of the Auburn Jolly Janes. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, and best friend, D. H., on June 15, 1995; her brother, Vern Banks; her sister, Esta (Banks) Treasure; two of her three children, Judith Ann (Phillips) McDowell and her son, Jerry Lee Phillips. Ruth is survived by her youngest son, DeVern Phillips and his wife, Rebecca “Becky”; son-in-law, E.L. “Mac” McDowell, Judy’s husband; five grandchildren, Kevin McDowell and wife, Annie, Craig McDowell and wife, Julie, Sally (Phillips) Green and her husband, Brian, Phil Phillips, Crystal (Phillips) Shanks and her husband, Steve; fourteen great-grandchildren, Jamie McDowell, Joel Bartel and his wife, Sarah, Jordan Bartel and his wife, Abby, Caitlin (McDowell) Santacroce and her husband, Bobby, Tate McDowell, Madison “Maddi” McDowell, Sydney Albritton, Michael Green, David and Matthew Phillips, Stephen and Aspen Cripps, Devi and Reili Shanks; four great-great-grandchildren, Destiny and Tony Santacroce, Vivienne and Genevieve Bartel; and many nieces, nephews, friends and their families. As the lady who kept us laughing, Ruth will be remembered for her sense of humor and wit! A celebration of Ruth’s life will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Interment will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. In memory of Ruth’s love of reading, memorial contributions are suggested to Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, designated to the Children’s and Red Carpet Departments.

Nellie Ruth (Banks) Phillips

January 31, 1918 - June 19, 2013