Mary V. (Wright) Phillips, 106, passed away on Friday, December 2, 2022, at Autumn Trace Assisted Living Home in Plymouth.
Born in Plymouth, Indiana on October 20, 1916, Mary was the daughter of Harry and Grace Wright. She graduated from Plymouth High School in 1935. On July 3, 1937, she married her childhood sweetheart, Gerald Nickerson. Gerald and Mary Lived in Valparaiso.
Gerald was drafted into the Navy after the outbreak of World War II. Mary went to work at the Raton Board and was soon promoted to Chief Clerk. She worked there until the end of the war. She then went to work at the accounting firm of Gilbert Peters and Associated where she was employed for thirty-five years. Gerald Died on July 3, 1959.
In 1964, Mary married a fellow worker in the accounting office, Robert Phillips, Bob had two boys and a girl who were to become the loves of her life. Jack, Roger, and Diane gave Mary 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Mary semi-retired and worked for Ruge and Sons Meat Packing and Land Developing in Valparaiso. In 1983, Bob and Mary both retired. They spent a great deal of their time playing golf and bridge until Bob died in 1992. Mary moved to Plymouth to be with her sisters.
Strong in her Christian faith she was a member of the 1st Presbyterian Church, served as an Elder, and was active in the ladies’ groups. Mary joined the hospital axillary where she worked in the gift shop and volunteered at the Historical Museum.
Mary was one of the first residents in the Autumn Trace Assisted Living Home in Plymouth and has enjoyed living there and participating in various activities. She continues her regular bridge game until her death. She enjoyed visits with family and friends, including recent visits with triton School students and staff.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands; her stepdaughter Diane Riggsby; her stepson Jack Phillips; one brother John D. Wright; and four sisters, Kathryn White, Bette Lee, Julia Hatfield and Jean Carlisle.
Mary is survived by her sister Peggy (Jim) Clevenger; her stepson Roger (Judy) Phillips; her stepdaughter-in-law Darla Phillips; stepson-in-law Jim Riggsby; 9 step-grandchildren: Gerrie Phillips, Lawrence Phillips, Beth Phillips, Matthew Phillips, Ryan Phillips, Sam Phillips, Lori Jen, Robert Morris and Karen Morris; 12 step-grandchildren; 3 nieces and 7 nephews.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 12, 2022, from 11-1 p.m. at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m.
Please click the link below to live stream the funeral service on Monday, December 12th at 1 p.m.:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89564767653
Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Traditions Home Health, 1820 E. Day Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545.
Jordan Mayfield, Funeral Director
Norma Young says
Peg and Jim Please accept my sincere sympathy.in the passing of Mary. Mary was a great lady, and proved it by 106 years. She had a great business career and oh the bridge player. She’s in the royal palace with her love ones now. Rest in peace Mary in your heavenly home.
Shirley Gidley says
Loved our Little Mary. She dressed to the 9 s. And always with a brooch!
She lived to entertain! A bright lady and quite funny. A Long and productive life! Loved her humor!
Her bridge skills were superb!
She will be missed by family and friends .
God Bless all of her family and maybshe see the Litd smiling with welcome!