Joan Marie Phillips

Joan Marie Phillips, beloved wife of Bob and resident of Fairwinds Rivers Edge, St. Charles, MO, peacefully returned home to be with her Lord on February 24, 2019, after 85 remarkable years. Joan was surrounded by loving family and compassionate care.

Joan entered the world June 6, 1933, in Quincy, IL. Joan’s life was the embodiment of the Sermon on the Mount, living each day as an offering to God and a blessing to all who shared her journey. Joan was poor in spirit, meek, merciful, clean of heart and a peacemaker. She was a tireless reader of Christian authors and a staunch advocate for the unborn. She graced all with an ever-present kind word and carried a twinkle in her eye for all she encountered.

As a loving wife, Joan brought joy to her husband, Bob, whether through time together as zoo volunteers or in shared adventures to various destinations of mutual intrigue. Joan and Bob turned houses into homes across many parish communities, including St. Francis, St. Sebastian, St. Norbert, St. Thomas, Incarnate Word and St. Robert. As a cherished mom, she raised six children in patience and warmth, shuttling to team sports or educational pursuits. As a playful grandparent, Joan shared her passion for bridge, accompanied by pizza, smiles and time at the pool. As a friend and neighbor, she offered tireless kindness and generosity. Joan’s community impact spanned roles from Eucharistic Minister to Meals on Wheels driver and more. Her family fun included golf with friends and family, charades, piano exploits, ping pong, spoons, fishing and giggling with cute grandbabies. Oh, and she taught herself office technologies and business operations, going from an empty building to a functioning business with Bob in the blink of an eye. In all things and with all people, she personified humility and selflessness – she was His light in our world. We envision God’s greeting to her will be, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Though we celebrate her return to the Lord, she will be sadly missed by Bob Phillips, her partner and husband of 63 years; her children Beth Ampleman (Rich), Janet Roth (Jeff), Bob Phillips (Sue), Rich Phillips (Karen), Keith Phillips (Diamarie) and Carol Brinkman (Ed). Joan boasted 21 grandchildren, including Lisa Ampleman Warren, Anna Bilyeu (nee Ampleman), Sarah Ampleman, Matt Ampleman, Alex Ampleman, Andrew Ampleman, Eric Gray, Katie Fasching (nee Roth), Christopher Gray, Mary Krispin (nee Phillips), Cathy Phillips, Julie Hayward (nee Phillips), Jennifer Phillips, Robert Phillips, Christie Phillips, Michelle Phillips, Mike Phillips, Kevin Phillips, Maximilian Phillips, Jenna Brinkman and Rachel Brinkman.

The story continues with 15 great grandchildren, including Jeremiah Warren, Blake Bilyeu, Charlie Bilyeu, Rose Goodnough (nee Mitchell), Joey Mitchell, Joshua Gray, Austin Fasching, Mckenna Fasching, Brayden Fasching, Kaia Fasching, Zoe Gray, Nadia Gray, David Krispin, Lucy Hayward, and Rose Hayward. Joan is also survived by her brother-in-law, Father Glenn Phillips, OFM. Joan had a special closeness also to her sister Carol’s children: Terri Chamberlain, Marijean Trew, Kay Naragon, Peggy Dalton, and David Trew.

Joan was preceded in death by her cherished parents, Lou Becker and Ethel Becker (nee Buchheit), her brother Bro. Donald Becker, C.S.C., sister Carol Trew, and by her grandson Ryan Brinkman.

A funeral Mass celebrating her remarkable life will be held on Monday, March 4, 2019, beginning 10:00 a.m. at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church located at 1424 S. 1st Capitol Drive, St Charles, MO 63303 (phone 636-946-6799).

In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted at The Alzheimer’s Association.