Lydia A. Phillips, 69, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, January 26, 2025 at her residence.
She was born December 10, 1955 in Beech Grove, IN to Alfred B. Ernstes and Joy I. (Price) Ernstes.
She graduated from Shelbyville High School with the class of 1973.
Lydia was a very loving, caring and creative lady. Working in the nursing home industry as an activities director, Lydia was able to express her love, compassion and creativity to the many people she came in contact with during her career. She had a love for crafts, DIY projects and decorating. She also enjoyed traveling, especially with her family. Lydia’s greatest joy was her son and her two grandsons. She loved her family very much. Family get togethers with her siblings and many nieces and nephews were always highly anticipated because of the laughter, storytelling and playing games. Lydia will be greatly missed by her family and all who crossed her path during life.
She married Richard Dallas “Rick” Phillips on July 26, 1975 and he preceded her in death on April 2, 1997.
She is survived by her son, Dallas (wife, Heather) Phillips of Shelbyville; her grandsons, Spencer Phillips and Braeden Phillips; her sisters, Barbara (husband, Bart) Dalton of Lakewood, Washington, Alyce (husband, Mike) Gobel of Shelbyville and Joyce (husband, Aaron) Hatton of Greensburg; her sister-in-law, Theresa Ernstes of Shelbyville; her nephews, B.D. (wife, Michelle) Dalton of Birmingham, England, Jaron (wife, Sarah) Hatton of Shelbyville and Trey (wife, Jen) Ernstes of Supply, NC; her nieces, Breanna Giove of Dupont, Washington and Jennica (husband, Dan) Heckler of St. Charles, Illinois; several great-nieces and great-nephews; her mother-in-law, Sue Phillips-Rudicel of Shelbyville; her father-in-law, John T. Martin of Franklin; her sister-in-laws, Sandra Phillips of Springfield, IL., Lisa White of Noblesville and Jonnie Phebus of Chalmers; her brother-in-law, Steve Phebus of Brookston; her nieces and nephews, John T. Shaft (Linea Decter) of St. Omer, Missy Haley of Shelbyville, Ashlee (wife, Nicole) Thompson of Springfield, IL., Brice (wife, Jana) Tater of Noblesville, Nathan Phebus (Meridith Helderle) of Brookston, Stephanie (husband, Ricky) Emery of Lafayette, Adrian (husband, Matt) Rowley of Pensacola, FL., Michael McClain of Pensacola, FL., Alexandria (husband, Benny) Acosta of Denver, CO. and Ryland White of Noblesville.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her brother, Benny Ernstes; her niece, Katie Ernstes; her father-in-law, Dallas O. Phillips; her mother-in-law, Mary E. Martin and grandmother, Lossie Manship.
A public graveside service to Celebrate Lydia's life will be held at 3 pm. on Friday, May 9th at Forest Hill Cemetery.
Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery during the spring.
Funeral Directors, Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Lydia’s family.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Ben Ernstes Community Fund in care of Blue River Foundation, 54 W. Broadway St., #1, Shelbyville, IN 46176.
Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com
