Georgia "Helen" Phillips, 81, of Winfield, Kansas, went home to be with Jesus on Saturday afternoon, August 9, 2008, surrounded by her children at Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita.

Born on November 22, 1926 in Grainola, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of Russell and Eva Zula (Kincheloe) Gipson. She was raised and received her education in Grainola.

Helen was united in marriage to Leo C. Phillips on June 14, 1942 in Pryor, Oklahoma. The couple made their first home in Foraker, Oklahoma, and moved to Cowley County in 1946 where they farmed and operated a service station in Udall. In 1953 the couple moved to Winfield, where they opened Phillips Auto Service. Mr. Phillips preceded her in death on February 8, 1982.

She was a very faithful member of The First Church of the Nazarene for 57 years. Helen was actively involved as a Sunday School teacher as well as many other positions within the church and was honored with the Distinguished Service Award. She enjoyed gardening, reading, and especially music. She sang and played many instruments, including violin, harmonica, piano, accordion, and guitar. Helen's life was dedicated to raising and caring for her family and friends.

Her family includes:
Her son: Jim Phillips and wife Debbie of Winfield;
Her daughters: Carlene Whitney and husband Morris of Las Cruces, NM; Lynn Merritt of Winfield; Karen Wylie and husband Reverend Charles of Nocona, TX; Diane Dean of Carrollton, TX; Kay Perdaris of Arkansas City; Pam Doyle and husband Ron of Derby; Connie Lawson of Winfield; Sherri Beebe Colclasure and Andy Colclasure of Newkirk, OK; Lisa Delgado of Winfield;
Her brother: Russell Reed Gipson of Odessa, TX; and
Her 38 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Helen was preceded in death by two sisters, Vivian McVay and Colleen Rambo, two brothers, Buck and Hollis Gipson, and her two sons-in-law, Reverend John Merritt, and Jimmy Dean.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday afternoon, August 13, 2008, at 2:00 P.M. at The First Church of the Nazarene in Winfield. Interment will follow at Maple City Cemetery. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Tuesday evening from 5 to 9 P.M. Her family will be available to greet visitors from 6 to 8 P.M.

A Memorial has been established in Mrs. Phillips' name for The First Church of the Nazarene. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.milesfuneralservice.com.