Edna Mae Phillips

This is the story of Edna Mae Phillips, a woman whose adventure began on January 31, 1950, in East Chicago, Indiana. She arrived as a tiny, dark‑eyed girl born to William Richards and Shirley O’Neal.

Edna was one of five siblings: brothers Edward Richards and Roger O’Neal (both deceased), and sisters Eleanor Richards (deceased) and Pat Huerta. She adored her grandparents, the Kleins, and proudly carried the name Edna Mae after her Grandmother Klein. Her childhood memories were filled with summer visits, holiday traditions, and the unforgettable experience of making sauerkraut in the basement—because in a strong German family, you didn’t buy sauerkraut, you made it. Her deep German roots came from her great‑grandparents, Francis Mae and Lewis Edward Hoffman of Indiana.

Resourceful, spirited, and never afraid of a challenge, Edna grew up making the most of every moment in Indiana. She soon began a new adventure as a mother, welcoming her son John Edward Arvin in 1968, followed by her daughter Audrey Lynn in 1970.

In 1982, Edna and her family moved to Dayton, Texas, where she owned and operated several businesses. She also devoted many years of service to the school districts of Liberty, Cleveland, and ultimately Dayton ISD, where she retired.

In 1990, life got a little sweeter. Edna married the love of her life, Richard Everett Phillips. Together they shared a passion for travel and road‑trip adventures. Whether they were headed to Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, or Montana, Edna was happiest soaking in mountain scenery, animal scouting or testing her luck at a casino. If there was a slot machine within 100 miles, she could find it.

Of all the places she wandered, Yellowstone National Park captured her heart the most. She loved it so deeply that she requested her ashes be released there when her journey in this life was complete.

Edna is survived by her beloved husband, Richard E. Phillips; her son John Arvin and wife Amy; her daughter Audrey Hollie and husband Allen; and her stepdaughters Patti Torrez (husband Matt), Kandi Guzman (husband Bobby). Stepdaughter, Nikki Matlock (preceded her in death), and Nikki’s husband, Jay.

She also leaves behind many cherished grandchildren: Alyssa Hollie, Anna and husband Flip Schulte; Alayna Hollie, Krista Richards, Kenedi and husband Jake Schneider, Niko Guzman, Gunnar Guzman, Briana Danielsen, Cierra Matlock, and Zachary Matlock; and her great grandchildren: Payten, Garrett, Camille, Cade, Reagan, Taos, Mila, Aubree and Asher.

In lieu of flowers, Edna would insist you grab a scratch‑off lottery ticket. If you win, she’ll take full credit from above.