Dorothy Louise Phillips, 99, formerly of Ottumwa, died at 6:30 p.m. February 11, 2026 at Clarence Nursing Home in Clarence, IA.
She was born October 9, 1926 in Ottumwa to Charles and Lula McCarroll Durflinger. Dorothy married Charles Rex Phillips on October 11, 1947 and he preceded her in death on August 20, 1993.
A 1944 graduate of Agency High School, Dorothy had worked at John Deere Ottumwa Works, and was manager at Farmers Co-op Telephone Company in Bladensburg.
She was a member of Bladensburg Christian Church where she served in various ways including custodian and taught Sunday school for 35 years. Dorothy was a hard worker and loved being outdoors, cooking, doing needlework and watching cowboy movies.
Surviving are her children, Diana Ellingson of Clarence, Russ (Sophie) Phillips of Okeechobee, FL and Brian (Gloria) Phillips of Lakewood, CO; 4 grandchildren, James (Jill) Hagist, Kimberly (Terry) Dickinson, Nick Phillips and Briana Phillips; 7 great-grandchildren, Elio, A.J., Mira, Charley, Deidre, Lexi and Jake; and 9 great- great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Janet Phillips and siblings, Richard Durflinger, Madeline Wymore and Ruth Black.
Visitation will be begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 18th, at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, February 19th, at Reece Funeral Home with Rev. Stasia Fine and Larry Smith officiating.
Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Bladensburg Christian Church.
