Barbara Lou Phillips, 85, Olathe, Kansas, first saw the face of her Savior on Saturday, March 4, 2023, after living bravely with dementia for several years. Because she placed her faith in Jesus at a young age, she is now fully healed, worshiping wholeheartedly today in the presence of Christ.

Barbara was born on June 9, 1937, in Danville, Illinois, to Thomas and Beatrice (Penrod) Pennington. In 1955, she graduated from Danville High School. She married the love of her life and her faithful companion, Joel Phillips, in Danville on June 27, 1964.

Known for being a skillful and proficient worker, Barbara worked for the VA Hospital in both Danville, Illinois, and Kansas City, Missouri, for over forty years. She was secretary to the director of the VA in Kansas City. In her spare time, Barbara was very creative, designing beautiful flower arrangements, making jewelry, and painting landscapes. Often she created those pieces for others. Her family and friends knew her to be a wonderful cook and gracious hostess. 

Barbara and Joel lived for many years in Blue Springs, Missouri, where they were members of Tri-City Baptist Church. In 2003, they moved to Olathe, Kansas.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Joel for the way he lovingly cared for Barbara. 

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Joel, Olathe, Kansas; sisters Phyllis McLain, Fairdealing, Missouri; and Cecile Potter, Allen Park, Michigan. She is also survived by and will be deeply missed by her many nephews and nieces as well as great-nephews and great-nieces. 

A visitation will be held at Bruce Funeral Home, 712 S. Webster, Spring Hill, Kansas, on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., with a funeral service to follow at 11:30. Burial will be in the Spring Hill Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to CrossRoads Hospice and Palliative Care of Lenexa (11150 Thompson Avenue, Lenexa, KS 66219). Condolences may be left for the family at www.brucefuneralhome.com.