Shirley D. Phillips

Shirley D. Phillips, 90, passed away on July 25, 2025. Shirley is survived by her children Mark Phillips of Hudson, Ohio, and Cathleen Phillips of Falls Church, Virginia. She also leaves her brother Robert “Derby” Derry Jr., daughters-in-law Judy Phillips and Sandi Phillips, granddaughter Kaitlyn Phillips, great granddaughter Magnolia Knox, nieces Beth Wayt and Jodie Kyle, nephew Jim Von Kanel, and her beloved sister-in-law Martha Von Kanel. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Phillips, son David Phillips, and her parents Robert and Ruth Derry.

Shirley was born in Alliance, Ohio, on August 18, 1934. Many of her happiest memories were rooted in her hometown. She spoke fondly of friendly, caring neighbors, after-school trips to Heggy’s for ice cream sodas, and learning about new foods and cultures from friends whose families arrived from Europe after World War II.

In high school, Shirley had her eye on Bob Phillips, a “cute guy” who became her husband and our father. Although Shirley and Bob moved away from Alliance after their children were born, a deep affection for their small town remained for life.

Fittingly, one of the last songs Shirley heard before she died was “Show Me the Way to Go Home” during a live performance at Danbury Woods in Cuyahoga Falls, her final residence. Welcome home, mom.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no service.