Obituaries
Ruth Ann (Arthur) Phillips, 87
April 13, 2023
Ruth Ann (Arthur) Phillips, 87, of Masonic Village, formerly of Leola, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2023. Born and raised in Plymouth, PA, Ruth was the daughter of the late James and Elizabeth (Pearce) Arthur. She was predeceased by her brother James Arthur of Somerset, PA. Ruth was married in 1955 to Donald R. Phillips. They celebrated 63 years of marriage before Donald passed away in 2018.
Ruth moved to Lancaster in 1961 with her husband where they raised their family. Ruth and her husband owned and operated a family deli and convenience store, later working at Kenosha Transport and High Steel. Ruth was an avid gardener and had a great eye and skill at planting and growing flower beds. She loved birds and always enjoyed watching them at her many bird feeders. Ruth especially loved gathering with her family during the holiday season. Taking great pride in her holiday decorations and sharing her home with others, she could always tell you how many lights were on her Christmas tree. Ruth was especially proud of her sons Wayne and Kenneth; their business and golf accomplishments, and their families.
Predeceased by her husband Donald in 2018, she is survived by her sons Wayne Phillips and his wife Kathy Phillips of Bethlehem, PA, and Kenneth Phillips and his wife Rhonda Lord Phillips of Lancaster, PA, grandchildren Mary, Andrew, Grant and Reid, great-grandchildren Benjamin, Brooke, Maisie, Madelyn and Camille, loved ones Kurt, Shelby, Bridget, Jenna, and Kim Brubaker; her long-time caregiver.
Ruth was a member of Highland Presbyterian Church.
The family would like thank the nurses, aides, and all other staff at Masonic Village Evergreen Unit for their thoughtful, loving care in Ruth’s last months.
A private Memorial Service will be held at Highland Presbyterian Church at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Tree of Life, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022, or Highland Presbyterian Church, 500 East Roseville Road, Lancaster, PA 17601.
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Condolences to the Family
April 22, 2023
Thank you so much for trusting us with the care of your mother. Ruth was such a sweet soul and we had so many wonderful conversations and funny stories shared by her. She loved her boys SO much! She was always telling us about how special the two of you are. She was such a proud mother. My condolences to you all. -Missy, Evergreen LPN.
April 17, 2023
To Ruth’s family – I was her hospice volunteer and was able to spend some quality time with her just before she passed ! She was a sweet lady and I will miss our visits . I know she is at peace and reunited with her dear husband , Donald
Her family was very special to her – may you all be surrounded with love and support during the sad times ahead !
Judi Grove
April 17, 2023
Wayne, Kenny, Grant and Reid – very sorry for your loss. We’re hoping that those wonderful memories will shine through at this time and forever.
Best wishes,
Skip and Pam Walters
April 16, 2023
My Condolences to Wayne, Ken and Family. I was one of your Mother’s Care Giver’s in the James Buchanan building. She was a special person. I did miss her when she moved. We did get to visit in the Healthcare Center. May she always be remembered, not forgotten. Sincerely,
Jo Ann S. Barton
April 16, 2023
Dear Kenny, Wayne and family, I am so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. She and my late mom, Claire Harry Futch, were first cousins, both from Plymouth. I have fond memories of our families out at North Lake. Bonnie Futch Adams
April 16, 2023
I am so sorry to hear this, Ruth was such a wonderful neighbor, we always enjoyed our conversations about flowers and birds. She was so proud of her sons and grandchildren and always bragged about them. She will be missed
Jared and Tabatha Nolt
