Judy Rae Phillips

Judy Rae Phillips, 78, passed away on February 7, 2024, in Knoxville, Iowa. A celebration of life gathering will be held from 10:00-12:00 p.m. at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville on Saturday, February 24, 2024. Judy’s family kindly asks in lieu of flowers; guests write special memories in a letter or card.

Judy was born on February 23, 1945, to Charles and Eva (Volkman) Winchell. She spent her childhood in Malcolm, Iowa. Judy was always a diligent worker, working at Pamida, Checkerboard, and eventually retiring from Pella Windows. Whether it was mowing the yard on a beautiful summer day or working in the flower garden, Judy loved to be outdoors. Picnics on the hill with the great grandchildren or a ride on the side by side looking at wildflowers with Lloyd gave her immense joy. She also had a wonderful garden and loved canning. Pear sauce, apple sauce and jelly were some of her special treats she would make for family and friends to enjoy. She was an amazing cook but could never share a recipe because she never measured anything. Her Dutch letter bars, apple bread, cookies, and poppyseed bread were the sweet treats she would make for all to enjoy.

Judy cherished her “girl time.” Her shopping trips with the girls to the fabric and kitchen stores, or shopping for purses always made her day. It was tradition for her and the girls to stop and get an Orange or Grape Crush on the way home. Her great granddaughters would always get calls from Judy who would always say she was “checking on my girls.” Sleepovers with endless snacks and books were followed by Patty Cake nursery rhymes, nail painting, and hair styling. She would always use them as an excuse to take a nap to spend time with them. She also loved her time with her friend Sandra Harsin. Whether it was antiquing or just sitting and talking about flowers, her and Sandra loved each other’s company.

Judy mastered the role of wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her love of family only grew stronger as the days passed. Family gatherings and vacations always gave her immense joy. Every Christmas, Judy would always worry that someone would feel left out. She always said she was “cutting back” next Christmas, but she never had the heart to do so. Her smile and quick wit will always be a memory held dear by her family. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary even though she would occasionally call the kids by the dogs’ names. Those memories they will cherish forever. Her family loved her “to the moon and back.”

Judy is survived by her husband, Lloyd; children, Terri (Steve) Marsh and Scott (Amy) Phillips; grandchildren, Ryan (Haley) Marsh and Cody (Alli) Marsh; great grandchildren: Willow Marsh, Ellie Marsh, Berkley Marsh, and Lainey Marsh; and a brother, Jerry (Sharon) Winchell.