Inge Phillippy

Today, Friday, October 29, 2021 my beloved Mom passed away. She was born in Darmstadt, Germany on December 13, 1931. She was eight years old when World War II  began and was fourteen when it ended. Darmstadt was bombed in 1944, the city where she was born and lived. Needless to say she had a lot of tragic memories from that period in her life.  Growing up she always taught my brother Ben and I to appreciate and be grateful for what we had and not to take anything for granted. Mom had a generous spirit, she was outspoken and direct, yet had so much empathy for others. She was also a very strong and determined woman.

Mom married her beloved husband Arland Phillippy, a military man serving in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany where they met. They  later married on December 24, 1956. They had two children, Ben and Charmaine.

When my Dad's tour of duty had ended in Germany, coming to America was both exciting and overwhelming for my mom! She spoke broken English and didn't know how to read or write in English. I remember her telling me she taught herself  how to read and write using first and second grade school  books. It didn't take long for her to become fluent in the English language. Throughout our childhood she was a stay at home mom who lovingly ran a household like a well oiled machine. Neat, tidy, and orderly. No matter where we traveled in the 20 years of dad's military service, mom always made our base house a true "home."

In 1972 after being a stay at home mom she decided to get a job outside the home. Her first job in America was Gibson's Discount Center in Sherman. She took great pride in that job! She began as a floor cashier and worked her way up to head cashier. That job entailed a lot of duties and responsibilities. Mom had a great work ethic with a spunky disposition. There she also met life long friends. She worked at Gibson's till it closed in 1987.

My mom loved life and that most definitely included her grandson's Jeremy, Korey. Karl and John. They too loved their "Oma" with all their heart!. Later when her great grandchildren were born Taylor, Jett, and Sequoia they immediately became the joy of her life. For many years they didn't miss a Saturday visiting the two grandkids that lived close by and relished the visits of the other granddaughter.

My mom was my best friend and confidant. We could belly laugh together till it hurt. I love my mom with all of my being. I am grateful to God for giving me such a wonderful, selfless, loving mother.

Inge is survived by her daughter, Charmaine Swanson, husband Gerald; grandson Jeremy Jordan, wife Jessica; grandsons Korey and Karl Phillippy; great grandchildren, Taylor and Jett Jordan and Sequoia Phillippy, Sheri Moore ( Ben's former spouse). She also has numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband Arland Phillippy,  her son Ben Phillippy and grandson John Moore.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 PM Saturday, November 6 at Waldo Funeral Home. Rev. Caleb Fleming will officiate with music by Reid Kirk. The online register book can be signed online at www.waldofuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, if you choose, you may donate to the charity of your choice, in her memory.