Florence (West) Obituary

Florence "Tip" Phillips, 80, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Cascades in Midland. Tip was born October 27, 1942, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, daughter and youngest of seven children born to the late Bernard and Tweedie (Prout) West. A graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School in 1959, Tip married William Phillips on July 23, 1960, at St. Henry's Catholic Church in Rosebush. Their marriage was blessed with four children, Kimberly, Bernadine, Carman, and Chad. She and Bill built their dream home together on Lake Isabella and enjoyed the lake life for many years until Bill's passing in 1994. Tip continued living there while creating beautiful gardens. As one of the most beautiful properties on the lake, people enjoyed boating by to catch a glimpse of her masterful work, of which she was so proud. Later in life Tip moved to Mt. Pleasant where she continued to display her wonderful gardening skills. Tip belonged to the Evening Bloomers garden club, a wine tasting club, book club, the Breakfast Club, and the Lions Club. Tip volunteered for the Women's Auxiliary Fire Department and was very involved with the Isabella Township Fire Department, as her husband Bill was the fire chief. They formed lifelong friendships at the fire department with the Johnson and Brown families. Tip was skillful as a seamstress, as well, and worked with her friend Marlea Brown and Marlea's Bridal Shop for many years. She followed that up with a job at Sam's Brothers clothing store, bringing her daughters in to work alongside her. She was part owner of A Place in Thyme with her daughter Kim offering an abundance of antiques. Tip loved spending time with her family, especially when travelling to Florida to visit her son Chad and his family where she would spend months. Tip is survived by her children, Kimberly (Keith) Schafer of Rosebush, Bernadine "Bernie" (Randy) Stilgenbauer of Midland, Carman Phillips of Mt. Pleasant, and Chad (Kim) Phillips of Florida; 13 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sisters in-law, Barb House of Mt. Pleasant and Mary (Ed) Pappas of Rosebush; many nieces and nephews; special friends, Marlea Brown, Jeanette Johnson, and Tilly Marshall along with many others, and her beloved canine companion, Willie. She was preceded in death by her parents; and six siblings, Veronica Gothup, Joseph West, Jack West, Richard West, Larry Michael West, and Butch "Ace" West. A memorial service for Tip will be celebrated at 11 a. m. Friday, September 15, at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home with Deacon Jim Damitio officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Her ashes will be laid to rest in St. Henry Cemetery in a private family service. Memorial contributions may be made to Cardinal Wishes, 6907 Westside Saginaw Rd. , Bay City, Michigan 48706. https://cardinalhospice. net/cardinal-wishes/. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family please visit www. CharlesRLux. com.