Eleanor Jean Phillips, 94 1/2, formerly of rural Mayetta, died September 19, 2020 at Medicalodges Jackson County, Holton, KS.

She was born March 12, 1926, at their farm home in rural Mayetta, Kansas, daughter of John Wallace and Margaret Vera Moffett Robson. She attended Fairview Grade School, and graduated as valedictorian from Denison Rural High School, class of 1944.

Eleanor married Harlan Phillips on June 28, 1943 at the family home in Denison. They celebrated 68 years of marriage. Harlan passed away February 4, 2012.

Eleanor worked as a bookkeeper for the Co-op in Denison while Harlan was overseas during WWII. They lived on their dairy farm just west of Denison more than 60 years. They raised their five children there.

Eleanor was a lifelong member of the Denison Reformed Presbyterian Church, where she was a member of the Women’s Missionary Fellowship and taught children’s classes. Eleanor served on the board of directors for Jackson County Nursing Home. She was Historian for Midwest Presbyterial. She was a member of the Fairview Community Club. She was a Denison Builders 4H leader for many years. Hobbies included sewing, quilting, embroidery projects, reading and gardening. She also wrote Denison news items for the Holton Recorder for many years which included a recap of the week’s sermon and any other local news she was aware of.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, sister Mary Belle, brother John, and a great-grandson Elias Stewart. She is survived by her children, Ralph (Phyllis) Phillips of Mayetta, George (Sarah) Phillips of Holton, Carole (Bill) Chapin of Coal City, IL, Mitzie (Steve) VanHorn of Denison, and Margaret (Mike) Sibley of Cary, NC; three sisters-in-law Loretta Robson, Baldwin City; Norma Casford, Whittier, CA; and  Donna Phillips, Manhattan. Her seventeen grandchildren: Lisa Haverkamp, Rodger, Ryan and Russell Phillips, Melanie Woltje, Theresa Hoffner, Brian Phillips, Michele Straubel, Brad, Darin and Derek Chapin, Niki Stewart, Barry and Tony VanHorn, Denise Copeland, Aaron and Crissy Sibley. 51 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 25, 2020 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Interment will follow in Denison Cemetery. She will lie in state at the funeral home beginning Tuesday. The family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time Friday morning. Memorials may be given to the Denison Reformed Presbyterian Church c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com