Betty Lou Phillips

Betty Lou Phillips

Oct. 8, 1926 - Nov. 10, 2013

SAN MARCOS, Texas -- The wonderful, loving Betty Lou Phillips (nee O'Dea) born on Oct. 8, 1926, in Red Willow, Nebraska, died on Nov. 10, 2013. She was predeceased by her daughter Hollis A. Osburn, and is survived by her husband of 67 years, Richard H Phillips, her daughter, Kathleen L Maercklein, her daughter, Debra J. Phillips and her husband, Stephen P. Ansley, her son, Richard W. Phillips and his wife, Emily M. Phillips, eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brotherr, Densel O'Dea of McCook, Nebraska, and her sister, Dona Nelms of Indianola, Nebraska.

Betty was not only a beautiful woman she was a truly lovely human being. She loved life and was genuinely interested in everyone she knew. She loved to travel and, with her husband, visited many parts of the world. She was always dreaming of, or planning for, her next adventure. Betty was a voracious reader especially enjoying histories and biographies. Her family will always remember her optimistic love of life and her beautiful smile which would light up whatever room she was in.

Betty's working life began as a clerk typist in a German prisoner of war camp in Southwest Nebraska. When WWII ended, she transferred to the McCook Nebraska Army Base, working as one of the last two civilian secretaries at the base until it was closed in early 1946. While at the base, she met her future husband, Dick Phillips. She and Dick were married in McCook on Aug. 4, 1946.

During the next 30+ years Betty not only raised five children but also worked at many jobs as she and Dick moved from college to college and to several Air Force bases. In 1969, she and her family moved to San Antonio, where she worked for a few years as a secretary at Computer Knowledge Corp. She then worked for five years as an executive secretary to and administrative assistant for the president of Texas State Bank. She then resigned so she could stay home and help care for one of her grandsons for a few years. Betty's last employment was as secretary at the Northwood Presbyterian Church in San Antonio for more than six years.

Betty's favorite hobbies included dancing, traveling, playing bridge and golf -- a game she learned at age 50. She and her husband then joined the Windcrest Golf Club and within a few years she became the nine-hole champion. During her 28 years as a member of the Windcrest women's golf association, she served one year as president and several years each as vice-president and as secretary.

On Nov. 10, 2013, this beautiful, caring, loving wife, mother and grandmother lost her 11 year struggle with Alzheimer's disease and our lives will never be the same.