Evelyn Faye Phillips

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Evelyn Faye Phillips, 92, of Kansas City, Missouri, who passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026. She was born on March 21, 1934 in Clay City, Illinois to Lester and Jesse Rodgers. She lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, and a deep love of nature. She touched the lives of many through her passion for gardening and the friendships she cherished in her bunco club.

An avid birdwatcher, Evelyn could identify nearly any bird by its song. Her appreciation for the natural world was remarkable; she could recognize countless flowers, plants, and trees, and she especially loved native wildflowers. Gardening was more than a hobby; it was a part of her everyday life.

Above all, Evelyn treasured her family. She delighted in spending time with them whenever she could and lovingly baked homemade birthday cakes and prepared special meals for each of her grandchildren. Cooking and sharing food was her love language.

Evelyn was also an exceptionally talented seamstress who created many of her own clothes. She found great joy in crocheting and making handmade gifts for those she loved. Her creativity, thoughtfulness, and generous spirit will be remembered by all who knew her.

Evelyn is survived by her son, Dennis Lee True (wife, Janet); her grandchildren, Jeremy True (Alyssa), Jennifer Declet (Jose), Jeanette Eastwood (Derek), Robin LaPointe (Michael), and Carol Edelmann (Eric); as well as 12 beloved great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Phillips; her parents, Lester and Jesse Rodgers; and her siblings, Wilbur Rodgers, Virginia Unger, and Venita Parsons.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with memorial service at 12:00 p.m. at McGilley Antioch Chapel, 3325 NE Vivion Road, Kansas City, MO 64119. Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (mochf.org) in honor of Evelyn's lifelong love of nature.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at CareNetwork of Gladstone for their compassionate care, support, and kindness during Evelyn's final days. Their dedication brought great comfort to both Evelyn and her family and will always be remembered.

Evelyn's warmth, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and the natural world leave a lasting legacy. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.