Barbara L. Phillips, 90, passed away on Sunday morning, February 22, 2026, at Forest Glen Assisted Living in Dowagiac.
She was born on January 19, 1936, in South Haven, the third of four children to Hugh and Thelma (Sherwood) Burrows. As a child, Barb enjoyed time on the beach and playing with her siblings and cousins. She was a 1954 graduate of South Haven High School. “Go Rams!”
As a young woman, Barb had numerous jobs: babysitting, telephone operator, and usher at a local theater. After graduation, she moved to Kalamazoo and began work at Upjohn Pharmaceuticals, where she made many friends. One of those friends brought Barb to Dowagiac. During that visit, she met the love of her life, Tom Phillips. Following a short courtship, they were married in Dowagiac on June 29, 1957. They honeymooned in Mackinaw and were witness to the last sections of the Mackinac Bridge being constructed.
In 1958, Barb gave birth to their daughter, Kelly, followed by their son, David in 1961. Barb began working as a “Lunch Lady” for Dowagiac Schools in 1968, where she worked for 29 years. Barb enjoyed many things, including snowmobiling, cross country skiing, fishing, cycling, and her favorite, traveling. Barb and Tom built a cabin in Wellston, MI and spent many days, weeks, and years there doing the many activities she enjoyed. But mostly, she loved sitting around the fire, cooking and enjoying friends and family. Barb and Tom converted a travel van to many of the 48 states. They went on cruises to the Bahamas, Hawaii and Alaska. Barb lost her Love, Tom, one day before their 65th anniversary. She never fully recovered from that loss and has now joined him to continue their eternal journey.
Surviving are her two children, Kelly Phillips and David Phillips; three grandsons, Scott Keene, Bradley (Ally) Phillips, and Eric Phillips; five great-grandchildren, Ellie, Hudson Sutton, Harper and Kaleb.
Preceding her in death were her loving husband, Tom; parents; and three siblings, Charles Burrows, Bruce Burrows and Patricia Teske.
A service to celebrate Barb’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Clark Chapel, Starks Family Funeral Homes, 405 Center St, Dowagiac, where friends may visit with her family from 12:00 PM until the time of service. Private family inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac.
To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit Barb’s personalized webpage at www.clarkch.com.
Service Details
Visitation
When
March 2nd, 2026 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Where
Clark Chapel
Address
405 Center St.
DOWAGIAC, MI 49047
Service
When
March 2nd, 2026 1:00pm
Where
Clark Chapel
Address
405 Center St.
Dowagiac , MI 49047