Rita Phillips

Rita Phillips, 59, passed away March 23, 2013, with her family by her side in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She spent her final days surrounded by her loving family who helped her wage a courageous battle against a brutal illness.Rita was born in Loraine, Texas on July 9, 1953 to Pedro and Dolorez Castro. As a child, she helped her family by working in the fields picking cotton. She never forgot the value and importance of working hard and extoled its virtues to her children.In 1972, her family moved to Abilene where she met her future husband, Paul Hubbard. Together they raised three children at various military bases throughout the world. Rita was the consummate mother to her children—ensuring a loving household filled with fun and laughter despite the constant turmoil of being a military wife. She was an active volunteer at her children’s schools for many years and was a source of light and vibrancy wherever she went. Rita lit up a room wherever she went and never met a stranger. She had a personality that connected immediately with people. She knew how to entertain a crowd with humor and charm, and often was the life of the party. After her children were grown, Rita embraced her role as a doting grandmother by showing them what a fun grandma could be. She encouraged her grandchildren to get involved in activities, and she loved attending their various events.Rita was very strong and determined. After a nearly thirty year marriage ended, she became an example of resilience and independence. She eventually married Robert Phillips and created a loving home in Dalton, Georgia. Rita was a loving person who wanted to help others. Even in her final moments, she put others ahead of herself never wanting to inconvenience anyone. She is survived by her husband, Robert Phillips; her children, Patricia Hubbard, Phillip Hubbard and Michelle Dyson; her parents, Pedro and Dolorez Castro; her siblings, Pete Castro, Gloria Sepeda, Lydia Flores, Ruben Castro, Pat Barrera, Larry Castro and Bobby Castro; her grandchildren, Ryan, JJ, John Paul, Makayla, Jacob and Makenna; and the father of her children, Paul Hubbard. She is also survived by a large and loving extended family and countless friends.

A prayer service followed by rosary will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5410 Buffalo Gap Road, at 2:00 p.m. in Abilene, Texas. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South, Abilene.

You may view and sigh the guestbook at www.elliott-hamil.com