Arlene P. Phillips, age 83, of 11987 T. Road, Rapid River, died Thursday August 24, 2006, at the Christian Park Health Care Facility in Escanaba.
Arlene was born May 21, 1923, in Crystal Falls, the daughter of Clifford and Leona (Bennum) Payne. Arlene was raised in Indiana where she attended the Buffalo, Indiana schools. On February 16, 1945, Arlene married Alfred J. (A.J.) Phillips in LaGrange, Illinois and soon after their marriage, the couple made their home and raised their family in the Milwaukee area. In 1983, Arlene and A.J. relocated to Rapid River where Arlene remained until her health began to fail. A.J. preceded Arlene in death on January 1, 1998. Throughout her life Arlene worked as a homemaker remaining at home to raise her family. Arlene was a member of the Rapid River Post #301 Ladies Auxiliary, she enjoyed playing cards, doing crossword puzzles and word search, going to ceramics and spending time with her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include:
3 Sons: Jim (Robin) Phillips of Rapid River, MI; Donald (Carol) Phillips of Gladstone, MI; Scott (Vicky) Phillips of New Berlin, WI
1 Daughter: Deborah Klein of Gladstone, MI
1 Sister: Mary Elizabeth (Payne) Biancaniello of Fort Wayne, Indiana
8 Grandchildren: Tracy (Dan) Helman, Shelli (Rick) Micheau, Jason (Laura) Norman, Nicole Bovin, Jeremy, Brandon, Tyler and Kyle Phillips
13 Great Grandchildren: Vikki, Brittany, Jodi, Daniel, Jacob, Hannah, Joseph, Abigail, Anthony, Nicholas, Gabrielle, Jacob and Sara
Also listed among the surviving family are many nieces, nephews and cousins
In addition to her parents, Clifford and Leona and her husband, A.J., Arlene was preceded in death by 1 brother Robert Payne.
Family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:30AM to 1:30PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Rapid River Post #301 Ladies Auxiliary Rites will be conducted at 1:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home, followed by Mass of Christian Burial, at 2:00PM, at the All Saints Church with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow officiating. Luncheon will follow in the All Saints Parish Hall. Committal will be on Monday at the Evergreen Cemetery in Crystal Falls.
Anonymous
So sorry I missed the funeral, but my thoughts and prayers have been with all of you during this time.I have some wonderful memories of Arlene. She was such a kind, gentle loving person. She always made you feel so special and nothing was ever an inconvenience for her. Always willing to go the extra mile. I remember many years ago, visiting with the family in Milwaukee. Those days were so special. God truly blessed her with a heart of gold. If only the rest of the world had a portion of the love and kindness she held in heart, the world would be a much better place for all of us. She now rests in the arms of God and he has been well pleased with her life here on earth. God Bless all of you, and may you have peace in your life and love in your hearts as she did.
Sue and Steve Javurek
Escanaba, MI
Grandma will be missed greatly. I have so many great memories of summers spent up in Michigan with grandma and grandpa. I know she is in a better place now along with grandpa, together once again. She is truly one of my heroes.
I love you Grandma!!!
Brandon Phillips
New Berlin, WI
It would take weeks to describe how wonderful my grandmother was. She always made everyone feel like they were the most special and important person in the world. She loved having her family and friends around her and my grandma and grandpa’s home was always open to all. I know they are back together now and watching over all of us, waiting for the day they can open their home in heaven to all of us again. I love you Grams!!
Jeremy Phillips
Chicago, IL
Many many years ago, I was introducted to the Phillips family through my sister Vicki. She was dating (at that time), Scott Phillips. There would be many occasions when Mr. & Mrs. Phillips opened their doors to our family for celebration, dinner or just to stop by and visit with them. Mrs. Phillips was one of the most gentle, caring and dear individuals I have ever met. In my heart, I know there is a bright star out there shining over all her family and friends, reminding us of her wonderful personality and smile. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time.
Linda Miller-Johnson
Muskego, WI