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Ruth Phillips Obituary
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Ruth Christine Phillips on Aug. 4, 2022, at the age of 91.
Daughter of Wilhelmina and Gordon Josephs, Ruth was predeceased by her parents; her loving husband of 49 years, Robert J. Phillips Sr.; and her son, Dr. Carl Phillips.
Ruth's career was decided for her upon her mother's passing. She became the head of a multigenerational household at the age of 16 that also included a family grocery store. She ran a tight ship and was fastidious in all areas of her life, including every son who was freshly "Butch-waxed" before leaving the house!
After her sister and sons left home Ruth spent time as a waitress at Snoopy's Restaurant in Scranton, which was owned by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law. She had a deep affection for her parish, St. Matthew's United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Scranton, where her mother also attended.
For the last few years, Ruth lived at St. Mary's Villa Residence in Elmhurst, where she made many friends with both the residents and amazing staff. She so enjoyed working her daily Jumble (with help from Carol, of course) and going to breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining room with her girlfriends. She looked forward to visits from her friend Rose, Pastor Mary Owens, her goddaughter Lisa, and many family members.
"Ruthie Baby," as her sister and sons called her (only because they were old enough to get away with it), is survived by her sister and best friend, Carol Josephs Fiorenza and husband, Rich; sons, Robert (Bob) and wife, Deborah Pargmann; Gary and wife, Roseann Rooney Phillips; James (Jim) and wife, Pamela Norris Phillips; and daughter-in-law, Robin Caulfield Phillips.
She was blessed with 11 grandchildren, Russell Phillips (Tiffany), Leigh Phillips Norris (Ron), Farra Lynn Rust (Andrew Karsen), Carla Phillips Kooistra (Scott), Evan Phillips, Lauren Phillips, Erin Phillips Syverson (Keith), David Phillips (Kirsty), Casey Christine Delaney (Ryan), John Phillips (Kelly), Meghan Phillips; and 18 great-grandchildren who brought such joy to their Gigi!
Ruth lived her life humbly, always supportive and loving of her large family. She taught us unconditional love, how to do a job to perfection and selflessness without ever knowing it. We will miss your presence among us but are so grateful that you were ours while you were here.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the Miller Bean Funeral Home Inc., 436 Cedar Ave., Scranton. Friends and family may pay their respects Wednesday from 9 a.m. until time of service. Interment will follow in Abington Hills Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Ruth has requested donations be made to St. Matthew's United Evangelical Lutheran Church, 425 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. Please visit the funeral home website to leave an online condolence.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Phillips
Sponsored by Miller Bean Funeral Home Inc.
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Susan Russell
August 10, 2022
So very sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. She was a dear friend of my Mom, Romayne Grabowski before she passed away over 5 years ago and they would often sit together in church at St. Matthews. She spoke of her often and I know she treasured their friendship. Today August 10th I visited Abington Hills to put flowers on my Dad's grave on what would have been his 99th birthday. I encountered Ruth's funeral procession and saw that she is just a short walk away from my Mom & Dad. I smiled and thought that she and my Mom were close enough to be together again, just like in church. May you all find strength and comfort in your memories in the days ahead.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Susan Grabowski Russell
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