Sylvia Lohse Phillips

Columbia - Sylvia Speir Lohse Phillips passed away unexpectedly at home in Columbia, Missouri on June 22, 2023 at the young age of 89. Sylvia was born in Fairbury, Nebraska to Morris and Helen Speir.

She was the younger of two daughters. The Speir family spent their summers in Grand Marais, Minnesota which became one of her favorite childhood memories. In 1953, Sylvia married Robert Lohse. They had two children, Kim and David. She spent over thirty years in Colorado Springs raising her children and volunteering at a hospital where her name was on a wall for her longtime service. Eventually Sylvia married Alex Phillips and relocated to Columbia, Missouri. She continued her passion for volunteering.

Sylvia played the piano and had a trained soprano voice. She sang in a choral group in Columbia. Sylvia loved snowmen and butterflies. Sylvia had a passion for making friends everywhere she went. She cherished her friendships - old and new. Sylvia took great joy in giving gifts to people to bring a smile to their faces. She loved sending cards to brighten her loved ones' days. She took pride in being a mother with her greatest joy being a grandmother.

Sylvia was preceded in death by parents, Morris and Helen Speir,

sister Meredith Speir Peters Osborn, her husband Alex Phillips, close family friend Letha Dawson, stepson Charles Phillips, son in law Sheldon Gallner and granddaughter Alexa Lohse.

She is survived by her daughter Kim Gallner of Omaha, son David Lohse of Colorado Springs; stepdaughter Lisa Phillips, stepsons Michael (Susan), and Christopher (Cherrie) Phillips; grandchildren Elyse and Spencer Gallner, Holland, Enzo and Britton Lohse, Rachel (Joe) Miller, and Sam Phillips; and great granddaughter Cora Miller.

Sylvia has left many friends in Missouri, Colorado and Nebraska. She will remain in the hearts of all that knew her. Sylvia will be interred in Colorado Springs next to her granddaughter Alexa .

In lieu of donations, the family would like everyone who knew Sylvia to spread kindness and love, just like she did.

"Be Silly. Be Honest. Be Kind." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Butterflies hover and feathers appear whenever lost loved ones and Angels are near." - Mary Jac