GERTRUDE PHILLIPS

LIMA — Gertrude L. Phillips "Mama Duke", 75 of Lima, was called home on December 4, 2016 at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born on June 18, 1941 in Van Wert, Ohio to the late Robert and Margie {Towsey} Hardman.

She lived life to the fullest. She battled MS for over 40 years, and was a fighter from start to finish, never giving up. She was a neighborhood mother, treating everyone like her children. She loved butterflies, Spongebob, and her family.

She is survived by her husband, James Phillips, married on April 15, 1968. Also surviving are her children Irvin (Tonya) Phillips, Robert Phillips, Darrin Phillips, Frenjula (Christopher) Jackson, Byron (Tracy) Phillips, and Jayme (Craig Keith) Phillips, her grandchilren Ciera, Robert Jr., Jordan, Damien, Jala, Destiny, Kelsey, O'Sheena, Lavada, Michael, Brooke, Shanice, Darenton, Ta'lor, Perkins, Zion, Gage, Tarique, Malia, Logan, Amberzhay, and Quantel, 14 great-grandchildren, sister Betty Jo Cloud, brother Paul E. Hardman, and her loyal caregiviers and friends Tawana Barnett, Nita Beasley, Jennifer Robb, Tylnn Lane, Marta Thompson, and Shawnie Boyer.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her son Little Jimmy Phillips, her brother James Hardman, and her grandmother Bertha Towsey.

A funeral service will be on Friday, December 9, 2016 at 1:00PM at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness, Lima, Ohio with Elder Collin Deitsch officiating. Friends may visit one hour prior to the service. Repass dinner to follow at Bradfield Community Center, 550 S. Collett St. Lima.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.chamberlainhuckieder.com.