Lee Roy “Heavy†and Mary Ann Phillips
Lee Roy “Heavy” and Mary Ann Phillips died on Friday, September 22, 2023, due to a fire at their home in Emporia. Lee Roy was 88, Mary Ann was 85.
Lee Roy was born on October 31, 1934, in Emporia, the son of Will and Ovoilette Ruse Phillips. He spent 37 years at Didde Glasser as a foreman and later was a Red Tek Dealer for over 20 years.
Mary Ann was born on October 4, 1937, in Emporia, the daughter of Percy and Jessie Paulsen Jackson. She was a bookkeeper at Americus Building Material and self-employed with numerous restaurants and businesses.
Lee Roy and Mary Ann were married on May 23, 1954, in Americus.
Surviving family members include: sons Randy (Camala) Phillips of Nacogdoches, Texas, Rodney Joe (Tammy) Phillips of Vassar; and Ricky (Tina) Phillips of Emporia; daughters Kathy (Rodney) Shepherd of Emporia; and Debra (Steve) Long of Tribune; grandchildren Jay (Carrie) Reim, Derek (Julie) Helms, Amy Helms, Jerrod (Heather) Long, Cody (Hope) Long, Justin (Jana) Phillips, Amber (Weston) Brown, Collin Phillips, Dakota Phillips, Jenny (Jason) Brown, Josey (Jared) Faust, and Jordan (Durango) Blackford and seventeen great-grandchildren.
Lee Roy is also survived by his sisters Alice Barrett of Mission, and Marjorie Whitney of Hutchinson. He is preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Hannah Ortega, brothers Ray Phillips and Robert Phillips; sisters Beulah Spillman and Rose Sluder.
Mary Ann is also survived by her brother Jim Jackson of Paola; sisters Patty Kayser of Topeka; Betty Grimmett of Emporia; and sister-in-law Gloria Jackson of Emporia. She is preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter Hannah Ortega, and brother Bob Jackson.
A memorial service took place at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church, Emporia. Visitation was held Friday, September 29, 2023, at the Cottonwood Friends Church of Emporia. Memorial contributions can be made to the Emporia Friends of the Zoo or the Messiah Lutheran Church sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801. Online condolences can be left at at www.robertsblue.com.
OBITUARIES
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SPORTS
High School Jackrabbits compete in Scott City, Montezuma meets
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Junior High Jackrabbits take part in Cheyenne Wells Meet
Photo caption: Bailey Moritz, in the forefront, led the pack at the meet in Cheyenne Wells. She placed second in the 800-meter run. Reagan Hahn is also pictured near the right side of the photo. Photo by Trista Shafer. The Junior High Jackrabbits traveled to Cheyenne... [More]
Varsity tees off season in Goodland, JV competes in Grinnell, Leoti
Photo caption: Lincoln Shafer and Braxon Mangan competed in the varsity meet in Goodland on Tuesday, April 15. Mangan placed 14th overall with a 91. Photo by Brecken Mangan. The Greeley County High School Golf Team got into the full swing of the golf season this past... [More]
Junior High Jackrabbits compete in Oberlin, Leoti
Photo caption: Silas Sherer placed eighth in the discus at Thursday’s meet in Leoti. Photo by Brecken Mangan. Oberlin Junior High Divisional Meet Tuesday, April 15, 2025 The Junior High Jackrabbits traveled to Oberlin on Tuesday, April 15 to compete in the divisional... [More]
Jackrabbits host three track meets last week to begin 2025 season
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Logan Harris places second, Mia Reynolds takes third at State Powerlifting Meet in Claflin
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Junior High Track begins season at home Friday meet
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More Sports
- Jackrabbits host High School Invitational Track Meet on Friday, April 11
- Youth Basketball
- JV golf medals four at opening meet
- Chubby Pickles are Men’s League Champions
- Shafer plays in Central Kansas High School All-Star Basketball Classic
- Mangan plays in Trojan All-Star Classic Basketball Game
- GCHS students compete in Trego Powerlifting Meet
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NEWS
Water tower gets fresh coat of paint
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42nd Annual Loyalty Day Spring Livestock Show
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Greeley County Health Services joins the Masonic Cancer Alliance
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Facts and information about Measles
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Western Kansas Community Foundation awards $67,242 in grants to 28 area nonprofits
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Welcome rain saturates county
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Unapproved minutes of the Board of Education
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Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting notes
Monday, April 28, 2025, 1 p.m. Supervisors Present: Chairman Steve Mangan, Alan Waggoner, Monty Moritz, Scott Steele and Stan Shafer Others present: Deputy County Clerk Kaylie Carney, County Treasurer Diane Gentry, Utility Administrator Stephanie Elliott, Sheryl Crotinger,... [More]
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- Easter week is mostly pleasant, but without moisture
- Board of Supervisors Special Meeting
OPINIONS
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