Shirley J. Phillips, age 87 of Frankton, passed away Friday, July 7, 2023, at Countryside Manor in Anderson after an extended illness. She was born July 29, 1935 in Chesterfield, the daughter of Ralph and Madeline (Robinson) Ward. She married Jackie D. Phillips on November 3, 1951, and they shared over 68 years of marriage together before his passing in 2020. Shirley was a longtime, devoted member of the Elwood branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. A homemaker most of her life, Shirley was formerly employed at Delco Remy in Anderson; managed Frisch’s Restaurant in Anderson; and worked at Jimmie’s Dairy Bar in Pendleton. Jack and Shirley also formerly owned Matthews Malt Shop in Yorktown for several years. She enjoyed spending time in her yard and working with flowers. During the warm months of summers past, she could often be found fishing at Little Chapman Lake. Shirley especially enjoyed reading and serving at her church.
Shirley’s family includes a daughter, Cathy Burnett of Anderson; three siblings, Dale Ward of Anderson, Kay Shaffer of Seymour, and Sue Cooley of Jeffersonville; 9 grandchildren, Misty Cheatham, Kelly Hughes, Sarah Fitzgerald, Matt Phillips, Mandy Creighton, Spencer Phillips, Jack Phillips, Carly Phillips, and Katie Smith; 24 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jackie Phillips; son, Victor Lee Phillips; and sister, Marilyn Loper.
A memorial service celebrating Shirley’s life and faith will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, July 14, 2023 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Elwood with President Ken Vehikite officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:30 to 11 am prior to the memorial at the church. Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home has been entrusted with Shirley’s funeral arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elwood Animal Shelter. Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.