Ruth W. Wilkie Phillips

Ruth W. Phillips, also known as "Big Ruth" by her grandchildren and "Old Mom-Mom" by her great-grandchildren died peacefully in her sleep at the Charles W. Gerstenberg Hospice Center in West Palm Beach, Florida on September 4, 2013.

Ruth, age 94, was born on June 3, 1919 in Chester, PA and was raised in the Wallingford Orphanage after the death of her father, William Wilkie. She graduated from Nether Providence High School in 1938. She married Raymond W. Phillips on April 3, 1942. They resided in Parkside, PA for over 25 years raising their 3 children before retiring to DeBary, FL in 1980. They lived in Terra Alta, DeBary, FL for 30 years before relocating to West Palm Beach, FL. Ruth enjoyed life and was always happy with kind words to say about everyone and everything. She enjoyed watching any sport including the Phillies and college football, bowling, playing cards, knitting, baking and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband of 71 years, Raymond W. Phillips formerly of Parkside, PA; now of West Palm Beach, FL; 3 children, Raymond W. (Gwen) Phillips of Midland, MI, Charles W. Phillips of Chester, PA and Ruthanne (Jim) Marchiani-Crawford of Rutledge, PA; two grandchildren, Christopher T.(Lisa) Marchiani of Lincoln University, PA and AnnaMarie M. (Paulo) Kates-Paulus of West Palm Beach, FL; four great-grandchildren, Miranda L. Marchiani and Megan E. Marchiani both of Lincoln University, PA, Kyler M. Kates-Paulus and Katerie F. Kates-Paulus both of West Palm Beach, FL; a sister, Patricia (Bill) Ruggles of Gloucester, NJ; a brother, Thomas "Buddy" (Clare) Dunn of Gloucester, NJ; many loving nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents, Anna Mechler and William Wilkie; a stepfather, Thomas Dunn; a grandson, Michael A. Marchiani; siblings, Eleanor Brisson, Mary Boyer, Grace Venables, Marge Phillips, Irene McDonugha and William Wilkie, Jr.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 10:30 am at Deltona Memorial Funeral Home, 1295 Saxon Boulevard, Orange City, FL, PH: 386-775-4260 with Pastor Mark Sier of Volusia County Baptist Church of Orange City officiating. Inurnment will follow in Deltona Memorial Gardens in Orange City.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to your local hospice.

www.deltonamemorialfuneralhome.com