Donna M. Phillips

Donna Phillips lived a life full of love and compassion. She was devoted to her family and her friends, and her door was always open. Her kitchen was a place for good food, laughter and lingering. (And, of course, coffee.) She insisted on feeding anyone who walked through her door. She had great love and compassion for animals. She was of tremendous strength and determination. Donna appeared tireless in her endeavors. She had a great curiosity and love of history. She had unending faith in God and good. She loved thrifty shopping and had a knack for putting together an outfit. She played the Marimba, had a lovey singing voice, she crocheted, baked bread and pies and made the best carrot cake. She was often heard whistling a tune while she did the work of taking care of her family.

Donna was born in Neosho, Missouri on February 6, 1931. Her parents were Goldie and Donald Lowry. Donna was an only child. She spent some of her childhood in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and treasured time spent on her Aunt Esther and Uncle Elmer’s farm near Joplin, Missouri. She loved being outdoors—whether it was fishing, swimming in a spring, riding horses, participating in a water fight with the neighborhood kids, or raking leaves and shoveling snow (which she continued doing into her late eighties). Sometimes she referred to herself as a Michigander—the cold didn’t stop her, she would put on extra layers and head outside.


Donna met the love of her life, Carl Phillips, at her mom’s diner (the Derby Diner) in Olathe, Kansas. They married in a few months on July 4, 1947. They loved and supported each other, and enjoyed each other’s company every day for 64 years, until Carl passed away on September 15, 2011. Donna bravely carried on for the love of her family. Donna leaves behind her three daughters, Christina Mingorance (Lito), Jeanne Kay (Fred), Catherine Phillips-Klein (Andy), son Roy Phillips (Charis); six grandchildren, Veronica Headley (Jim), Andrea Abner (Carlton), Marco Mingorance (Emy), Whitney Kay, Casey Kay, Michael Kay; seven great grandchildren, Natalia Headley, Christiana Headley, Isabella Headley, Roman Mingorance, Vincent Mingorance, Abram Abner, Asher Abner. She leaves behind her sister-in-law, Betty Warmington. She also leaves behind many dear friends and family.

Events

Funeral Ceremony

Start Date: October 29, 2021, 3:00 pm
End Date: October 29, 2021, 12:00 am
Amos Family Funeral Home
10901 Johnson Drive
Shawnee, KS 66203
Phone: 913-631-5566

Final Resting Place

Leavenworth National Cemetery
150 Muncie Road
Leavenworth, KS 66048