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Jerilyn “Jeri” Kay (Fennell) Phillips, age 78, of Howe, IN, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at the Life Care Center of LaGrange.
She was born on June 20, 1945, in Sturgis, the daughter of Earl Jacob Fennell and Marie Minnie (Alleshouse) Fennell.
Jeri married Walter L. McCann and from this marriage her sons, Kerry, Tim, and Todd were born. This marriage later ended in divorce. On April 3, 1976, she married Grant R. Phillips, and the two were married for 32 years before his passing in 2008.
After many years of dedicated work, Jeri retired from Ross (Abbott) Laboratories, but continued to serve her community in many more ways. She was an active member of the Pretty Prairie United Methodist Church in Howe, where she faithfully attended worship every Sunday. Jeri was well-known as the “Ticket Lady” at Lakeland High School, where she collected money for different sporting events throughout the last few years. She was also active in the LaGrange County Home Extension and Garden Club, and participated at the LaGrange County 4-H Fair with her baked and canned goods.
Jeri is survived by her sons, Kerry (Becky) McCann, Tim (Bonnie) McCann, Todd McCann, and Michael Phillips; grandchildren, Brittane (Luke) Rose, Hailee (Kaleb) Howard, Cole (Tansley) McCann, Clay McCann, Nathan (Abigail Bustos) McCann, AJ Phillips; 5 great grandchildren and sister, Mary Ellen Hartman.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl, and Marie; husband, Grant Phillips; 1 brother and 2 sisters.
Jeri enjoyed venturing out for breakfast with friends at The Gathering Place Restaurant and being a helping hand at the former Iannarelli’s Italian Restaurant, both in Howe. She enjoyed providing transportation to those in need, cooking, baking, and creating needle-point pillowcases for friends and family. She loved the company of her family and hosting holiday events each year. Jeri was known by many and will be missed by many more.
In accordance with family wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive guests from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, August 3rd at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis. A graveside service to celebrate her life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, August 4th at the Pretty Prairie Cemetery in rural Howe. The Rev. David Hughes of the Howe Presbyterian Church will officiate. She will be laid to rest next to her husband, Grant
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Jeri’s memory consider the Pretty Prairie United Methodist Church, 511 3rd Street, Howe, IN 46746, or Parkview Hospice 1836 Ida Red Road, Kendallville, IN 46775.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
