Arla Jean Phillips

Age 82, Life resident of Eaton Rapids died Monday, July 9, 2012 at the Eaton Community Palliative Care Facility in Charlotte. Born into a family of 12 siblings-6 boys and 6 girls, on September 17, 1929 in Eaton Rapids the daughter of Glen and Lora (Koder) Olney. Jean was a remarkable person with her ability to perceive the beauty in the world around her. As a girl growing up, she never knew a home for more than a few years because her family was constantly moving from one side of town to the other following her father's career as a Miller's Dairy employee. Jean was an Eaton Rapids High School graduate, class of 1948. She married Clare E. Phillips on June 5, 1948 after a short courtship. During the 1950's, she gave birth to three children; Michael E. Phillips (1952); Ann Marie Phillips (1956); and Lori Ann Phillips (1958). The family moved into their house on North Street in Eaton Rapids in 1958. This was her home for the next 54 years. During their 49 years of marriage, Jean enjoyed many years of traveling throughout the United States, setting foot in all 50 states. Her collection of souvenirs in her home will attest to her passion for seeing the world and learning new things. In addition to travel, she relished going out with her friends as often as she could. Whether it was listening to her brother, Tom play on Thursday nights, or dancing with friends at the Senior Center, she was always active in her life. Her love of life extended to her other interests as well. She loved to bowl, crochet, participate in TOPS, and walk 3.5 miles through town every morning. She also loved waterfalls and lighthouses. Every trip up North was planned around the location of either a lighthouse, or a waterfall. Even toward the end of her life, she refused to surrender to the disease which ultimately took her life. She fought back by enjoying every moment she could with her friends and family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clare E. Phillips; her daughter, Ann Marie Phillips; and favorite son-in-law, Harley Wildey.
Surviving are son, Michael (Janice) Phillips of Eaton Rapids and daughter, Lori Wildey of Spring Lake; grandson, Michael Lee Phillips of Eaton Rapids; brother and sisters, Tom (Mable) Olney; Lauralee (Lennis) Sanders, Enid Friess and Judy (Jim) Hall; many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 11:00 am from the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with the Rev. Mark Payne of the Robbins United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 11th from 2-4 and 6-8pm. For those desiring memorial gifts may be made to the Eaton Community Palliative Care at 2765 S. Cochran Charlotte, MI 48813 in memory of Jean Phillips.