Rebecca A Phillips

Although she accomplished so much of which to be proud, Rebecca Phillips was a humble and gracious woman whose family was her greatest source of pride and joy. She took her roles as a wife and mother to heart, but she just may have argued that there was nothing better than becoming a grandmother. Becky lived her life to nurture, serve, and care for others as she made being selfless seem effortless. Life wasnt without times of trial for her, but she faced everything that came her way with a quiet strength and a graceful courage that were truly inspiring. Life will never be the same without Becky here, but her timeless legacy is deeply rooted in faith, love, and gentleness. It will be proudly carried on by those who follow in her footsteps.

It was as the heat of the summer held the city of Columbia City, Indiana, firmly in its grip in August of 1942 that Cyrus C. and Evelyn M. (Kelly) Cable were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby. The big day finally arrived on August 14th when the baby girl they named Rebecca drew her first breath. Born five years after her next closest sibling, she was the youngest of five girls in her family, raised alongside her sisters. It should come as no surprise to those who knew Becky to hear that she was giving, caring, and compassionate even as a child. When needed, she helped care for her mother who was in poor health. In addition, Becky helped tend to things around the house since her mother was so limited by her health.

Also during her formative years, Becky was forever a bustle of activity. When she did have free time to do something special it was always something that she cherished. The Cables frequently spent time as a family, which instilled a deep commitment to family within Becky that would remain with her for the rest of her life. She enjoyed picnics at Center Lake in Warsaw with her grandparents after church, and there were also visits to the movie theater with her parents. Becky was a student at local schools including Columbia City Joint High School where she played the alto clarinet in the band. Becky was very beautiful and put together and once was crowned Halloween queen. As a senior in high school, she also worked as a car hop and waitress at a local restaurant, The Barrel.

It was while she was working that Becky met the young man of her dreams. His name was Dean Phillips, and he couldnt help but notice Becky when he came to the restaurant. He ordered a 10 cent Coke and left her a quarter as a tip. Once Becky had agreed to their first date, Dean returned to tipping the standard nickel! Becky and Dean continued dating, and he also took her to her senior prom. Becky went on to graduate from high school in 1960.

With a desire to establish a life together, they were married on March 25, 1961. Becky always said that she wanted a large family, even saying that she would have 10 children, and they were well on their way with the birth of their first daughter, Christine, one year after they were married. Their family later grew to include two additional daughters, Trisha and Stacey.

From the moment she became a mother, Becky fully embraced the role. She was there for whatever her girls needed, and she loved them unconditionally. Although her family was always first and foremost in her life, Becky did spend some time working outside of the home. She briefly worked as a secretary for Marshall Middle School and for the school superintendents office. Finally, she worked for Denny McCoy, CPA for a short time. In whatever projects she took on outside of the home, Becky always carefully weighed them through how it would affect her in her primary roles as a wife, mom, and homemaker. She supported her husband through his business, Hoosier Trailer and Truck, and enjoyed meeting and entertaining his customers and friends. As a family there were fun-filled trips to places like Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina, just to name a few. In addition, Becky was a member of Tri Kappa, Columbia City United Methodist Church, and attended Columbia City First Church of God.

Later in life, Becky was filled with unspeakable joy to welcome six grandchildren into her heart, Lauren, Jake, Ryan, Turner, Landon, Annie; and a beautiful great-granddaughter, Kennedy. Both she and Dean were an active part of their grandchildrens lives, and they were there to attend any and every event that they were involved in. Often, they welcomed their grandchildrens friends into their home as if they were part of the family. Becky and Dean loved taking their grandchildren on vacations, and visits to Disney were certainly a highlight. For Beckys birthday every year, her gift to herself was to spend time with her grandchildren so she was always planning something fun for them all to do. They once had a bounce house at their home, another time they went go-cart racing in Fort Wayne, and there was also an unforgettable trip to Cedar Point. As someone who enjoyed shopping and was always well put together, Becky was classy and in style. In fact, her daughters and granddaughters were known to borrow her clothes! Her amazing sense of style also appeared in her decorating, she was the go-to person to help make the houses of various family members into homes. In addition, she enjoyed getting creative in her scrapbooks.

Although she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer four years ago, she refused to give in. Her commitment to her family remained strong, and she continued attending all events, family functions, and activities that her grandchildren were a part of including Annies college lacrosse match in Colorado. More recently, she was a vision on the dance floor with her husband while in attendance atLaurens wedding.

A woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out, Rebecca Phillips was a blessing to all who were within her reach. A faith-filled woman, she was never concerned about the things of this world, rather, her focus was on loving and serving those around her in ways both great and small. Beckys commitment to her family was unwavering, even when engaged in the fight for her life, and her love for them was easy to see. She will never be forgotten, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever cherish.

Rebecca A. Phillips, of Columbia City, Indiana, died at 9:56 a.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Beckys family includes her husband of 54 years, Dean Phillips; daughters, Trish (Jim) Sittler, Stacey (Franz) Morsches and Chris (Greg) Ness, all of Columbia City; six grandchildren, Lauren (Christopher) Tucker, Jake (Chelsea) Sittler, Ryan Ness, Turner Morsches, Landon Sittler and Annie Morsches; great-granddaughter, Kennedy Tucker; and special aunt, Jackie Mowat of Ft. Wayne. Becky was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Barbara Chapman, Dottie Geiger, and infant sister, Amy Lou Cable.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 11, 2015 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Johnny McCallister officiating. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in her honor to Little Turtles Boomerang Backpack Program or to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).