Phyllis Ann Philip

Phyllis was born on December 18, 1935, in Ottawa, Illinois, to Margaret Helen (Landers) and John Elmer McCormick. The second of two children, she was ten years younger than her sister, Mariam. She attended Marquette High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from the University of Illinois. Following graduation, the university employed her as the Kane County Home Economics Extension Advisor.

Phyllis grew up on the family farm, where her father was a nationally known Shorthorn cattle breeder and livestock judge. She became a successful cattle showman herself. In 1961, she married Gordon Philip and moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where they continued breeding and showing champion Shorthorn cattle. In addition to working on the farm, Phyllis helped organize cattle auctions, prepared three meals a day for three to four hired hands, volunteered with the local 4-H club, substitute taught, and raised their children. Later in life, she retired after many years of service as secretary to the President of The Kansas City Southern Railway Company.

Phyllis had a wonderful sense of humor, a contagious laugh, and a smile to match. Friends and family loved visiting her for the laughter and stories she shared, as well as for her exceptional cooking and generous hospitality.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, John Elmer and Helen McCormick; her sister and brother-in-law, Mariam and Evan Williams; and her nieces Cindy Oase and Julie Lucier, and nephew Randy Williams.

She is survived by her children, Scott (Lisa) Philip of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; Robert (Kim) Philip; and Heather (Jeff) Parker, both of Smithville, Missouri; three grandchildren, Grace (Alex) Acuff of Kansas City, Henry G. Philip of Smithville, and Cameron (Kansas) Philip; and her great-granddaughter, Elowyn Philip, of Kearney. She also leaves many beloved nieces and nephews: Roger Oase, Jenny McCune, John (Rhysia) Williams, Jim (Barb) Williams, Amy (Brian) Gentry, and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Celebration of Life at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, Missouri 64119, on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The family also welcomes those who wish to gather afterward from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Gizmo’s Tavern, 111 N. Bridge Street, Smithville, Missouri 64089, to share stories, laughter, and a toast to her life. A committal service will be held privately by the family at White Chapel Cemetery in Gladstone.