Betty Phillips

Betty Phillips, 97. died on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan, Kansas.  She was born to Edwin and Ruth Schmale south of Clay Center, Kansas on September 13, 1927.  The family later moved to Palmer, Kansas.  Betty was diagnosed with polio at age 3.  She spoke of being taken to Topeka for treatment with the hospital sending her parents a postcard when she was ready to go home.

She married Sam Phillips on February 14, 1958, and he preceded her in death on May 24, 2004.  Betty and Sam worked for many years and retired from Litton industries in Simi, California before moving back to Clay Center, Kansas to be closer to family.

Betty loved doing crafts.  Some of her favorites were crocheting, making quilt tops, plaster and ceramics, diamond art and beadwork.  T-shirts and vests and putting puzzles together were also favorites.  She loved her embroidery machine and worked many hours on creating quilts for the family.  She also loved mowing the large yard and raising flowers.  She loved being outside.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers and sisters-in-law: Leo (Darlene), Merle (Kay), Orn Dale (Sandy), and Dwaine (Reva) Schmale, sisters and brothers-in-law, Catherine Houser (John), Nola Bierbaum (Edwin), son Pat Phillips, and daughter-in-law Brenda Phillips.

She is survived by four sons, Dan (Dee) and Gary (Betty) Hilton of Kansas, David Phillips of California and Mike Phillips of Arizona.  Grandsons, Lance (Karla) Hilton, Chad (Jamie) Hilton and Derek Hilton of Kansas.  Great granddaughters Tiffany Hilton, Cassidy Hilton and great grandson Parker Hilton of Kansas.  Granddaughters, Brandy and Courtney Phillips and grandsons, Paul and Steven Phillips of California.  Granddaughter Kipper Phillps, and grandchildren Joshua Gonzalez (Randi), Mariah (James) Allen, Jessica Aguirre and four great great grandchildren of California and Grandson Pat (Andrea) Phillips, great grandchildren Cody Johnson, Hunter Phillips and three great great grandchildren of Oregon.  Great grandson Zachary Johnson (Brenda) and three great great grandchildren of California.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 16, 2025, in Greenwood Cemetery with Pastor Paul Tessaro officiating.

Memorials may be made to Meadowlark Hospice.