Mary Elizabeth Phillips, 88, of Nauvoo, Illinois, passed away at 12:38 pm on Friday, May 31,
2024, at her home in Nauvoo.
Mary was born on October 28, 1935, the daughter of Willard and Sylvia (Sellars) Smith. Mary
was a very hard worker. She spent 36 years working as a press operator for Sheller Globe and
then for Henniges. Mary was a devoted member of the Webster Community Church. She liked
to play bingo, do crossword puzzles, and watch gameshows. She also enjoyed bird watching,
especially the hummingbirds. Mary loved nothing more than spending time with her great
grandchildren.
Mary is survived by her children; Carl Phillips of Nauvoo, IL, Arthur Phillips of Keokuk, IA, and
Debbie Phillips of Montrose, IA; her grandchildren, Rody Phillips of Kansas City, MO, Justin
Phillips of St. Mary’s, IL, Joshua Helmick of Mt. Pleasant, IA, Dillon Phillips of Mt. Pleasant, IA,
Ellen Engles of Revere, MO, Kelly Taylor of Ottumwa, IA, Kathy Stevens of Ottumwa, IA, and 12
great grandchildren; her sisters, Betty Richie of Grand Junction, CO, and Wilma Qualls of
Newalla, OK.
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Jeannie Howell, her sister, Dorothy Hendricks, and
her brothers, Charlie Smith, Bobby Smith, and Richard Smith.
A funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Printy Funeral Home in
Carthage with burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton. A visitation will be held from
1:00 pm until the time of the service. Memorials may be made out to the Webster Community
Church. Printy Funeral Home is handling arrangements.