Merry Jeanne Phillips

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Merry Jeanne (DeGraff) Phillips passed away after a very brief illness on April 14, 2022 at the Galena Nursing Center in Galena, KS. Merry Jeanne was born January 23, 1938 in Joplin, Missouri, to proud parents Frank McKinney and Dorothy Edith DeGraff of Galena, Kansas. She was a lifelong resident of Galena, graduating from Galena High School in 1956.

In May of 1959 she married Bobby Dean Phillips of Webb City and briefly moved to Kansas City, MO, where they had three children who survive: Cheryl Glades (Phillips) and her husband Mark of Galena, Robert (Bobby) Phillips and his wife Lorie of Joplin, MO, and Tracy Albright (Phillips) and her husband Ray of Galena.

She was one of two children and was a fiercely independent. After divorcing in the mid-60s Merry Jeanne return to Galena to successfully raise her three children. As a single parent she taught her children to also be independent and active in school activities. Merry Jeanne was an ardent Galena Bulldogs fan who never missed a football or basketball game. She was most proud that all three of her children graduated high school and also went on to earn Bachelor Degrees. Merry Jeanne continued to be a fixture in the bleachers as her grandchildren took to the Galena playing fields.

Merry Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents and her loving brother Frank James DeGraff of Lowell, KS, his wife Clara (Maxine) DeGraff survives. She was also preceded by her only granddaughter Stephanie Lea (Phillips) Fajardo formerly of Springfield, MO. 

She is survived by her six grandsons and their spouses: Christopher & Yumi Phillips of Joplin, Travis & Rebecca Albright of Washington, DC, Matthew & Alyssa Glades of Fort Scott, Sean & Ashely Glades of Riverton, Mitchell and Ambur Albright of Galena, Troy Albright and his partner Vanessa Eaton of Baxter Springs as well as thirteen Great Grandchildren.

Merry Jeanne led a fruitful and productive life. Her only regret may have been that a rubber car was never invented so she could gently help motorist in need of assistance as they tail-gated, gawked, or drove too slow in the fast lane.

Merry Jeanne will be interred next to her parents at Hill Crest Cemetery in Galena, Kansas, on April 23, 2022, at 10:00 AM.

The entire family sends our sincere appreciation to the Staff and Residence of the Galena Nursing Center for their kind, caring and professional assistance during Merry Jeanne’s final days. They were truly awesome!