Phillips, Nell A.

Nell A. Phillips, 92, died Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, at the Dennis and Donna Dennis Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha of vascular disease.

She was born Oct. 28, 1916, in St. Charles, Ill., to Boleslov and Mary (Tarasavitch) Oleckno. Following graduation from St. Charles High School she entered St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing and received her nursing certificate in 1938. On Jan. 7, 1939, she was united in marriage to Lee Player Phillips in West Chicago, Ill. The couple owned Phillips Bakery in Sycamore, Ill., for several years before retiring to Sarasota, Fla., where they enjoyed golfing everyday. Lee and Nell enjoyed many European and Caribbean tours during their marriage. They later moved to New Braunfels, Texas to live near their daughter. After the death of her husband, Nell moved to Vinton where her son's family lived and became a resident of the Vinton Lutheran Home Assisted Living Apartments. She truly loved her apartment in Vinton and her special friends at the Lutheran Home. Nell spent hours working on jigsaw puzzles, walking and admiring the colorful tree-lined streets in Vinton and participating in all the activities of the care facility.

She is survived by her son, Bob (Sharon) Phillips of Keystone; her daughter, Suzanne Phillips of New Braunfels, Texas; her grandson, Michael (Kristen) Phillips, and their sons, Bob, Jack and Will, and her granddaughter, Mary Phillips, all of Vinton.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Adolph Oleckno.

Her family wants to extend their gratitude for the loving care and the wonderful friendship she was showered with during her years at the Lutheran Home.

To honor her wishes, she was cremated and a private family committal service will be held at Glen Oak Cemetery in West Chicago, with Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be given to the Vinton Lutheran Home Assisted Living Apartments.