Marsha Jane Phillips

Marsha Jane McDevitt Phillips passed peacefully into the next world on November 19, 2020. She was surrounded by her three children, Randa (Kevin) Deaton of Georgetown, Indiana, Christopher (Erin) Phillips of Adrian, Michigan, and Nathan (Shay) Phillips of Oakland City, Indiana.

Marsha was born in the Fairview Community just west of Francisco, Indiana on June 19, 1947. Marsha graduated from Francisco High School in 1965 and was always a proud Francisco Owl. She became a beautician and did hair for nearly 30 years before deciding to complete her undergraduate studies at the University of Southern Indiana. In 1995, Marsha earned a master’s degree in social work. She was the founder and owner of New Beginnings Behavior Management, LLC that she successfully ran until transitioning out the business earlier this year.

Finishing her graduate studies was a proud accomplishment, but her proudest title was MeMe. The center of her world was her seven grandchildren - Kelby and Tristan Deaton (Randa); Miley and Ephraim Phillips (Christopher); and Ethan, Addyson, and Malia Phillips (Nathan). Marsha’s long, courageous, and odds-defying battle with ovarian (2009) and breast Cancer (2011) was in part due to her overwhelming desire to create precious memories with her grandkids. She was most happy when she was surrounded by them. She often told them she loved them to the moon and back. Marsha's vast network of family and friends were also great sources of inspiration and support to her. The family would like to give specials thanks to Marty Ireland, Lana Brewer, and Karen Hunter for the love given to her.

Marsha’s legacy of love for her family, friends, and community will live on; she will be remembered most for her infectious smile, her contagious laugh, the love she poured on all who she interacted, and how each felt when they were around her.

She is preceded in death by her husband Gary Phillips; her parents, Doris Crecelius McDevitt and James McDevitt; her brother, Stephen McDevitt; and her stepmother, Anna Mae McDevitt. She is survived by her stepsister, Karen Hinkle, of Clinton, Indiana.

A virtual memorial will be held on December 8, 2020 from 5:00-6:00 PM CST followed by a virtual visitation for open sharing from 6:00-7:00 PM CST through Zoom. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Marsha’s celebration of life will be postponed until it is safe to gather. The links to her service can be found on her memorial website at www.memesluv.com.

Marsha had a passion for helping people and donated to many charitable causes and individuals in need. She believed strongly that all children were deserving of a warm meal regardless of their ability to pay and that no child should have to go through a cancer journey without support. In lieu of flowers, please donate in her honor to the Gibson County Community Foundation for children’s meals or the German American Bank in Oakland City, IN for Donations for Sterling. Detailed giving information with links can be found at her memorial website.