Gwen Phillips 93, died Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Asbury Park in Newton. She was born November 10, 1927 in Jacksonville, Florida to Evan and Viola Richards. On May 22, 1949 she married John W. Phillips at Newton and he preceded her in death on September 2, 2014.
Gwen was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church in Newton and worked as a Para-Educator at Newton High School for over 20 years. She had a love of teaching kids and especially enjoyed connecting with kids and taking personal time to teach kids struggling in various subjects.
She was known for her good cooking enjoyed being a farm wife and cooking for the help during harvest time. Gwen was a social person and kept up with her friends on the phone. She enjoyed crocheting and embroidery and also had a collection of small dog figurines she acquired thought the years. One of her fondest memories was helping her husband build their home in 1952 getting the worst sunburn of her life.
Her greatest joy was being a loving wife and mother and caring for her friends and family.
She is survived by her daughter Marci Phillips and adopted son Tan Lee and his family. Grandchildren Stephanie and Gary Merritt and Kristin and Spike Anderson and several great grandchildren. She also leaves behind a legacy of the many children she taught and guided through life.
Gwen is preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Monte, brother Tom Richards and infant sister Ida Richards.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions a private family service will be held at Petersen Funeral Home followed by a burial in the Greenwood Cemetery Newton.
Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice or Caring Hands Humane Society in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
my brother and I had Gwen as a teacher she helped both of us get threw school I remember her caring for her students will be missed
Gwen worked with me for most of the 10 years I was at NHS, and I remember her with love. She gave quality time to students and always encouraged their success in and out of the classroom. Sending caring thoughts to her family and friends,