Ila M. Phillips

Ila Mae Phillips passed away Sunday March 23, at Willow Brook Christian Village, Delaware Ohio. Ila was born November 4, 1915 in Beldon, Nebraska to the late Roy and Joanna Gifford. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband Wilbur D. Phillips and her only sibling Geraldine Lintz.

Ila’s life, which spanned more than ten decades, began on a ranch in Nebraska where early on, she was given responsibilities to help on the family farm with chickens, hogs, sheep and cattle. Ila would finish her chores as quickly as possible so she could read a book and look forward to her father taking her to school on horseback or in a sleigh. Early in life, Ila knew that she was to teach school, and she discovered that the secret to life was to daily accept “whatever is, is,” and move forward. This philosophy carried her through many transitions and challenges as well as moments of great joy. From teaching in a one room school house, (earning enough money to attend college) to graduating Summa Cum Laude from Pasadena Nazarene college, then traveling alone on the train to accept a position as an instructor at a seminary in Owosso, Michigan, falling in love with Wilbur Phillips, marrying him in 1944 and immediately taking on the role of a pastor’s wife. In those days, the pastor’s wife was expected to do everything necessary for the church to thrive: iron perfectly starched white shirts, lead the choir, direct children’s plays, plan and cook for church dinners, always be sure her home was presentable for guests. Ila lived an abundant life of love and service; God, family and church. Ila and Wilbur were a loving and amazing team for 60 years. Early in life Ila developed pastimes that were life- long: loving people, reading, and playing scrabble with friends. Here life was rich as she continued to live by “what is, is.”

Ila is survived by two children, Brinda Price (Kenneth), Byron Phillips (Nancy); Grandchildren, Sarah Frankel( Richard) Jean Rogers (Shaun) Erin Stahr (K.C.); Great Grandchildren, Maxwell, Isabella, & Eliana Frankel, Jackson & Carter Rogers, Harrison & Rory Stahr

A visitation for Ila will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Schoedinger Worthington, 6699 N High Street, Worthington, OH 43085, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.