Irma R. Phillips

HARRISON, Ark. / MONONA, Wis. - Irma Rosella Phillips, age 99, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Home Again Assisted Living, Waunakee, Wis. She was born on November 19, 1925, in Excelsior Springs, Mo., the daughter of Cecil R. and Iola (Greer) McCollum.

Irma grew up in Texas and Arkansas. She graduated from Green Forest High School, Green Forest, Ark., and Central Baptist College, Conway, Ark. She was married to Robert Preston “R.P.” Phillips in 1946 when they both lived in Harrison, Ark.  After moving around for a few years, they settled in Urbana, Ill., where they raised their children, Beverly and Roger.

Irma and R.P. returned to Harrison, Ark., after they both retired. In 2007, they moved to Monona, Wis., to be closer to their children. R.P. passed away in 2015, and in 2021 Irma moved to Home Again Assisted Living, Waunakee, where she received wonderful care and made new friends.

Irma worked outside her home as a florist, caterer, and file clerk, but she most enjoyed expressing her love for her family and friends by her actions. She was a talented seamstress, baker, cook, and crocheter, and she gave most of her creations to those she cared for.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family. Vacation trips always included family visits. Later on, her four grandchildren visited their grandparents every summer in Arkansas (two at a time), and each grandchild felt deeply cherished. Irma and R.P. had a long and loving marriage. They always enjoyed traveling and exploring new places together, whether by car or on R.P.’s motorcycle.

Irma was also a devoted church member wherever she was, living her Christian faith. She sang in the choir, participated in women’s organizations, baked for and organized receptions, and welcomed newcomers and international students. Her church families included: Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church in Urbana, Ill.; First Baptist Church in Harrison, Ark.; and Monona United Methodist Church in Monona, Wis.

In reaching the age of 99 Irma survived the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, World War II, breast cancer in 1965, and the deaths of many beloved family members and friends.  She remained a loving and caring person, she always remembered birthdays, and her smile lit up the room.

Irma is survived by her daughter, Beverly Phillips of Madison; daughter-in-law, Tracy Satterthwaite; grandchildren, McKenzie Satterthwaite-Chaturantabut, Damian (Dongmei Chen) Satterthwaite-Phillips, Elisabeth “Elisa” Lawler, and Ellen (Casey) Reynolds; eight great-grandchildren, Talin and Gaige Satterthwaite-Chaturantabut, Fearthainn and Abani Phillips, Adaline "Ada" and Leila Satterthwaite, and Forest and Anders Reynolds; her sister-in-law, Inez McCollum; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, R.P. Phillips; her son, Roger Phillips; her grandson, Abner Satterthwaite-Phillips; her brothers, Robert, Mack and Glenn McCollum; and her sisters, Claoma Benefield, Naomi Furrow and Wilma Dunn.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date at Maplewood Cemetery in Harrison, Ark. Memorials may be made to Monona United Methodist Church, Monona, Wisconsin or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420