Ruthellen Phillips

Ruthellen Phillips

August 12, 1940 - December 27, 2021

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Verona –

Ruthellen B. Phillips, age 81, beloved wife, mother, Grammy, sister and friend, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021. She was born on August 12, 1940 in Schenectady, New York, the daughter of Richard R. and Beatrice (Holston) Brainard. Ruthellen graduated from Linton High School in Schenectady and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the University of Rochester (NY) in 1962. She was united in marriage to Richard E. Phillips on October 31, 1964 at First Reformed Church, Schenectady, NY.

Throughout her life, Ruthellen and Dick lived in Fairport and Schenectady, NY, Hilton Head, SC and Verona, WI. She worked at University Psychiatric Research Center Strong Hospital, Rochester, NY and later as a special education assistant in the Fairport Schools. Her greatest joy was being a dedicated mother to her two daughters, Ellen and Sarah.

Ruthellen was a volunteer with the American Diabetes Association, a 4-H leader, and a school volunteer. She was also a Stephen Minister at the First Reformed Church and was active in other church ministries. She loved playing bridge, doing jigsaw puzzles, and spending time at Lake George.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Richard; her daughters, Ellen (Craig) Warsaw and Sarah (Jonathan) Pundt; grandchildren, Beth (fiancée, Michael Bradley) Warsaw, Brian Warsaw, Jackson (fiancée, Alissa Nemmers) Pundt, and Anna Pundt; siblings, Richard H. (Susan), Betsy (John Meier) and Susan L. Brainard; as well as four nieces, cousins, and many dear friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at SALEM UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 402 Mark Drive, Verona. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and JDRF.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625

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MS
Mary Schroeder
Other •
Ruthellen and I became good friends these last few years. I miss her greatly. Going to bridge won't be nearly as much fun without her.
DC
Dianne Ottow for The Metropolitan Woman's Club
Other •
To The Family of Ruthellen, The women of Metropolitan Woman's Club would like to extend our sincere sympathy. A donation in her name is being made to our Charity Fund. We will miss her, especially at the bridge table.
PV
Patricia VanKouwenberg
Other •
"Ruthie," as we knew her back on Gannett 2 in the women's dorm at the U. of R., was a joy to know: always ready to help out a fellow classmate with a willing smile and laugh. Sharing an apartment with her in the summer of 1961 was one of the most memorable experiences of growing into adulthood--we thought at the time.I know that she adored her family, just as you adored her, keeping vigil as she made that final journey from this life into another. With God's blessing to Dick, Sarah, Ellen, and all the family, from Patti Cullen VanKouwenberg
KW
Karen and Jerry Wallander
Other •
Dear Dick and Family: I just read of Ruthellen's death; Jerry and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We enjoyed playing bridge with you and I had some good conversations with Ruthellen; she was a lovely lady and I have fond memories of her. May she rest in peace.
PW
Pat and Steve Wehrley
Other •
Dear Dick and Family, We were so sorry to see Ruthellen's notice in the paper today. We knew she was struggling and know the last few years have been difficult. It was special getting to know the two of you in the bridge club. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

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