Doris J. Phillips

Doris had no living family but had an extensive "family" of friends. She was a beloved friend to many and dearly loved by all. While under hospice care she was surrounded by this caring family and always greeted each and every one of us with a smile, telling us how glad she was that we were there with her. She had a sharp wit and was always finding humor in almost any situation. Her wonderful sense of humor stayed with her to the end of her journey. Doris was very much a Renaissance woman with highly developed talents in many fields. She was an excellent and creative jazz pianist as well as a gifted athlete. She was rated one of the top amateur golfers in the country and played and won many tournaments throughout the U.S. Later in her life she developed a passion for tennis and became very skilled on the court. When she was a young woman she and her father bought and rebuilt an airplane. Doris took lessons and learned how to pilot the plane. After a few close calls and crazy incidents while flying, she decided that she was so lucky that she must have had "nine lives". Those who knew her would agree that this was true. She was determined and fearless. Doris was also very mechanically inclined and loved taking appliances apart just to study them and understand how they functioned. She had an abiding love for dogs and always had a furry friend for a companion. Her dog, Daizzy is really going to miss her. A unique and wonderful woman has left this earth and will be deeply missed by all of us who have been fortunate enough to know and love her.

Memorials can be made in Doris’ name to The Humane Society of Missouri http://www.hsmo.org/

Online condolences may be expressed at www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com

Visitation: Friends may call on Friday, February 26, 2016 from 10am-12pm at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, 3412 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, IL 62223.

Funeral: Services will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 12pm at the funeral home, with Pastor Wilson Wickiser officiating.

Interment will be held in Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL

Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.