Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
1941 - 2020
1941 - 2020
Obituary
Guest Book
Mary Kay "Kay" Phillips
AUBURN, IN - Mary Kay "Kay" Phillips, 79, of Auburn, IN, passed away on August 22, 2020, after a two-year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her husband and daughters at the time of her passing. She was blessed to spend time in her home with family and friends as her health faded.
Kay was born in Gary, IN on July 10, 1941. She was the third child of Harry F. Netzhammer and Marguerite (Dickerson) Netzhammer. She grew up in Hobart, IN and graduated from Hobart High School in 1959. Kay had a passion for genealogy, discovering and recording the stories of family members. She would want her story to reflect a long and happy life with Byron Bruce "Bruce" Phillips whom she met at 14, married with at 20, and spent 59 years as husband and wife.
She left nursing school at the time of their marriage, but returned to college and graduated from College of St. Francis in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She worked at St. Francis and Proctor Hospitals in Peoria, IL. Upon their early retirement, Bruce and Kay relocated to Fremont, IN and enjoyed many years living on Lake James. They made their final home in Auburn, IN.
Kay was preceded in death by her father, Harry Netzhammer; mother, Marguerite Netzhammer; her brother, Dr. Harry R. Netzhammer; nephew, John Netzhammer; dear sister-in-law, Mary Lee (Chickie) Wilson and brother-in-law, Richard Fehrenbacher.
Kay is survived by her husband, Bruce; one son, David R. Phillips of Chesterton, IN; daughters: Susan Perry (William) of Salisbury, MD and Amy Grego (Gregory) of South Whitley, IN. She also leaves behind five grandchildren: Gregory, David, Katherine, Jackson, and Abigail. In addition, she is survived by her beloved sister, JoAnn Fehrenbacher; sister-in-law, Arlene Netzhammer; brother-in-law, David (Red) Wilson and many special nieces and nephews. In addition, she is survived by former daughter-in-law, Dana Phillips of Chesterton, IN.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Kay's family will gather at Lake James to honor her life and share their memories at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 130 Red Coach Drive, Mishawaka, IN 46545. To send condolences, visit www.fellerandclark.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Dick Gross
September 11, 2020
Bruce and Family,
May God give you strength in your time of need.
Will always remember Kay's sweet smile and laughter growing up together. She was such a Dear person and know she will be sorely missed.
Kaye Gutwein
August 25, 2020
What a wonderful aunt! She knew how to make everyone feel appreciated and loved. I am proud to be named after her! She will be missed.
Chuck Goodwin
August 25, 2020
Mary Kay, as I knew her lived next door when we were vary young . Our sisters and parents we best of friends. She always had a smile and something positive to say. Mary Kay will be truly missed. Bruce our prayers go out to you and your family.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
1860 South Center Street, Auburn, IN 46706
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more