Ruth Kathryn (Bulsterbaum) Phillips

Born: October 25, 1926

Died: October 29, 2022

Ruth was born in the big house on her grandparents’ farm. Her parents, Paul and Dollie (Corbin) Bulsterbaum were also farmers as were her maternal grandparents and many of her aunts and uncles. She often told her children and others, “How I wish you could have grown up in the same unhurried, calm and happy childhood that I had.” As she grew up in that nurturing community, she excelled in the Klondike schools and graduated in 1942. She had already met the love of her life, Thomas Hardy Phillips “Tommy” (deceased). But the bombing of Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, became a turning point in their lives, as it was for all Americans. Tommy left for active duty in September, 1943.

Ruth worked at the Globe Aircraft Defense plant in Ft. Worth until the fall of 1945. Tommy returned on December 4 and they were married in her parents’ home on December 9. She and Tommy moved to Pampa, Texas and started their careers and family. They had two children, Dianne Phillips Capell and Michael Thomas Phillips (Mike). She started working at the Bob Clements’ Dry Cleaners, eventually working her way to office manager. Tommy worked for the US. Post Office.

In 1973, Ruth retired from her job and they moved to Amarillo. Tommy continued to work for the USPO as a rural route carrier until retirement. Ruth became active as a teacher and member of the choir at their church, Paramount Baptist. She was the teacher of the J.O.Y. women’s Sunday School class for almost 40 years; only retiring this year due to illness.

Ruth was an outstanding homemaker, mother, and grandmother. She was the very image of hospitality; entertaining and feeding friends and family with her signature dishes. She loved and adored her grandchildren, Shana, Bob, David and Louis, her great grandchildren, Alyssa, Shelby, Henry and Matthew, and her great-great grandchildren, Brynlee, Jax and Bexlee.

“If I have had a small part in giving my family stability, love, and encouragement; then, I will have had a wonderful life.” – Ruth Phillips

A funeral service for Ruth will be held Monday, November 7, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Griggs Schooler Gordon Funeral Directors, 5400 Bell St., Amarillo, Texas 79109.

Contributions in Ruth's memory may be made to BSA Hospice of the Southwest, Amarillo, Texas. A direct link to their donation page can be found at the hyperlink below the obituary.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.griggsschoolergordon.com for the Phillips family.