Catherine Phillips was born March 30, 1922 in Lakin, Kansas and departed this life December 14, 2014 at the High Plains Retirement Village in Lakin. Catherine was the daughter of F. Fleetwood Thomas and his wife, Mary (Mame) O’Loughlin Thomas and the granddaughter of the founder of the city of Lakin, John O’Loughlin, and his wife, Mary V. O’Loughlin.
Catherine attended school in Lakin and graduated from Lakin High School in 1940.
She married Philip D. Phillips on September 2, 1944 in Garden City, Kansas.
A life-time resident of Lakin, she worked at the Kearny County Bank as a teller, head teller, and loan officer until her retirement in 1992. She endeared herself to many bank patrons with her helpful nature and efficient style. Catherine also kept books for various city and county agencies.
She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Lakin and the Catholic Ladies Altar Society.
After her retirement, Catherine traveled, but her passion was her garden. Spending many long hours tending the flowers and shrubs in her yard made it a showcase for the neighborhood. Her cheerful nature and concern for all her family, friends, and acquaintances were foremost in her life. She was able to become everyone’s friend without compromising her individual values.
Loved by many, she will be missed by all, including her survivors: children, Carol Thrasher, Judy Phillips, Rebecca Calvert, and Thomas Phillips, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
She was pre-deceased by her husband, Philip D. Phillips; two brothers, Frank and Jim Thomas; one sister, Marcella McVey; and two sons-in-law, James Thrasher and Robert Calvert.
Rosary will be said Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Lakin. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 19, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Rev. Mike Helms officiating. Burial will follow at the Lakin Cemetery. Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday at Garnand Funeral Home in Lakin.
Memorials may be made to St. Anthony Window Restoration Fund or to the Kearny County Historical Society, in care of Garnand Funeral Home.