Obituary of Helen Ruth Phillips

Helen Ruth Phillips, age 69, of Buckhannon, WV, died Tuesday, August 20, 2019, at her home. She was born April 2, 1950, in Kesling Mill, WV, a daughter of the late Sturl and Ruth Thompson Waybright. On September 18, 1971, she married Larry Phillips who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Tonya Hinkle and husband Eric of Summersville, WV, Denice Jeran and husband Ryan of Buckhannon and Alicia Keiffer and husband Nick of Summersville; seven grandchildren, Logan and Caroline Hinkle and Owen, Will and Luke Keiffer all of Summersville and Elly and Koby Jeran both of Buckhannon; one brother, Carl Waybright and wife Sherry of Buckhannon; one sister, Betty Phillips and husband Roger of Clarksburg, WV; one sister-in-law, Carol Waybright of Buckhannon and several nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Sturl Waybright, Jr; one granddaughter, Mya Jeran and parents-in-law Glen Phillips and Pauline Phillips-Rowan. Mrs. Phillips served as the Upshur County Assessor for over 40 years, was the president of the Assessors Association of West Virginia and a member of the WV Association of Counties. In 2003, she received the AWVA Special Service Award in recognition of outstanding service to the Association. She was a member of the Heaston United Methodist Church and enjoyed spending time with family, friends and her beloved grandchildren. Along side of her husband, she loved woodworking and building items for their children and grandchildren. Mrs. Phillips was passionate about gardening, shopping and serving the people of Upshur County. Friends will be received Friday, August 23, 2019 from 2 to 8 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Buckhannon. A funeral service will be held 11 AM Saturday at the Church with the Rev. Helen Oates officiating. Burial will follow at the Mt. Union Church Cemetery in Tallmansville, WV. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Upshur County School's Backpack Program. Please mail donations to Upshur County BOE, 102 Smithfield Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.