Edna Ethel lorane Phillips

Edna was born November 12, 1912, in Leopolis, Wisconsin, the second child of Richard Paul and Clara Marie (Wilkinson) Thomae. The family moved to Epping, North Dakota in 1916, and then to Williston, North Dakota in 1919 where Edna grew up. Edna and Ross Phillips were married in 1934 and had four daughters; Janice Roediger (CA), Helen Leier (Rush Point), Roxanne Pego (WI) and Holly Rieger (AZ). Edna was an active community volunteer throughout the years of raising their children as a Brownie Scout leader and taking information and issuing ration coupons during the war. Following a move to South Owasso Boulevard and Rice Street and with no protestant church available, Edna and two other moms decided it was time to get a Sunday school started for their children. They found a Lutheran minister who could give some time and help in getting supplies; thus began what is now North Heights Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by her brothers Harry Howard, Charles Monroe, Arthur Richard and sister Ellen Annette. She lost her mother at the age of 10; her father passed away in 1966. Edna lost her husband Ross in 1999. Mrs. Edna Phillips of Rush City; formerly of Braham and St. Paul died Tuesday at the Villages of North Branch in North Branch, Minnesota at the age of 97 years. A private family visitation and reviewal was held at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City. Pastor Steve Jennisch will officiate at a memorial service; Monday (9/13/10)at 11 a.m. at the Braham Evangelical Covenant Church in Braham. A time of visitation is planned for one hour prior to the service at church. The interment will take place at Elmhurst Cemetery in St. Paul. Memorials preferred.