The Life of VIRGINIA NELL PHIPPS
Virginia Nell (Hough) Phipps, 91, Maryville, Missouri, died May 03, 2013 at Maryville, Missouri.
Virginia was born August 14, 1921, in Des Moines, Iowa to Harold Byron and Coy Smith Hough.
A graduate of North High School on June 7, 1939, she was active in track and field events and was an accomplished high jumper. On December 29, 1941, she eloped and married Robert Darwin Phipps, in Princeton, Mo while he was on leave from the USMC.
Virginia proudly served in the WAVES from October 1944 to December 1945. She was honorably discharged and received the American Campaign Ribbon and the Victory Ribbon for her service. Mrs. Phipps was stationed at USNTS, Brooklyn, NY (Hunter''s College), NTT (YW), Cedar Falls, IA and USNB, Wahsington, D.C. She was a member of the Navy Choir and performed at the opening of the United Nations.
Mrs. Phipps was proud to be a Charter Member of the Women''s Memorial in Arlington Cemetery. In 2012 she visited the Memorial.
Virginia was a member of the Business Professional Women Auxiliary in Maryville, MO and was a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (Auxiliary) and participated in the annual wreath laying for many years.
Virginia enjoyed participating in the Arts and Crafts at the Nodaway County Fair where she earned recognition for her flower arranging, an interest that started at an early age.
She was recognized by the State of MO for her lifelong dedication and care of her daughter Janel Phipps during her extended battle with MS.
One of the highlights of her life was a trip to the British Isles with her daughter, Janel in 1979. While there is no evidence that she "kissed the Blarney Stone" she reminisced many times about her wonderful memories of that special time.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Robert Phipps (March 4, 2000), her daughter Janel Phipps (July 8, 2010) and sister Lorna Gaul.
Virginia is survived by her son Craig D. Phipps and his wife Linda of McLoud, OK, her granddaughter, Kelsey Phipps of Washington, D.C., one sister, Sara Ruths of Boise, ID and a niece, Sue Lewis and nephew, Steven Gaul of Kennewick, WA, and numerous grand and great grand nieces and nephews.
Friends and relatives are invited to a public viewing on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Price Funeral Home located at 120 East First Street, Maryville, MO between 2 and 4 PM. Services will be held at 12:30 PM on Monday, May 6, 2013. There will be a private family inurnment in Des Moines, IA at the Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be made to the National MS Society, and St. Judes Hospital for Medical Research.
