Karen Irene Phillips

            Karen Irene Phillips, 85, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at Prestige Care Center in Fairfield.

            A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be held at a later date at the Foursquare Church in Fairfield. She will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family, in care of JoAnn Franklin, 1123 1^st Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405, for a bench to be erected on the Jefferson County Trail. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family with arrangements. 

            Karen was born September 21, 1938 in Fairfield, the daughter of Harold and Gladys (Barnett) McNeese. She married Darrell Phillips, September 2, 1961. They later divorced.

            Karen worked in the kitchen for Nelson’s Nursing Home for 22 years. She also worked at the Fairfield Golf & Country Club. Karen enjoyed walking, spending time with friends, and traveling with her family. She made many visits to the hospital and nursing homes, checking in on her friends. 

            Those left to honor her memory include her children, JoAnn Franklin and Michelle (Bob) Brown, both of Cedar Rapids, and Michael Phillips of Fairfield; grandchildren, Matt, Marissa, Mason, Emma, Chad, Preston, and Connor; great-grandchildren, Sophia and River; her twin sister, Karol Leazer of Fort Collins, Colorado; and brother, Raymond (Tish) McNeese of West Burlington.

            She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Chuck McNeese; and sister, Ruth Norton.