Obituary of Benjamin Walter Phillips
Benjamin Walter Phillips was born on August 21, 1928 in Toledo, Ohio. He was one of three children born to the union of Benjamin and May (Bowers) Phillips. Benjamin attended Macomber High School in Toledo, Ohio, graduating with the class of 1945. Shortly after graduation Ben enlisted in the United States Army where he was stationed in Whittier, Alaska until his Honorable Discharge.
On a warm July day in 1949 Benjamin married Joan Cooper. The couple was blessed with four wonderful children, two daughters and two sons. Sadly, Joan passed away in 1973, but Ben was fortunate to find love once again when he married Nancy Rolsten in August of 1975 in Toledo.
Ben worked in the jewelry business for most of his life employed by Toledo Jewelers Supply Company and Jensen Jewelers prior to opening Ben Phillips Jewelers in Perrysburg, Ohio. He loved playing golf and participated on the church golf league for many years. Ben also enjoyed playing cards, board games and watching Turner Classic Movies. An exceptional dancer, he loved listening to jazz and big band music. Not being one to sit still, Ben enjoyed traveling to Arizona, California, and Oregon to see family members, but he also enjoyed trips to St. Augustine, Florida, Northern Michigan, or just a simple boat ride on Hemlock Lake. Ben treasured his “cousin lunches”, having dinner once a week with his friends at different dive bars in Monroe or enjoying the company of lifelong friends and Nancy at a dinner club. Being a true family man, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren participate in their activities.
Benjamin Walter Phillips, age 94 of Monroe, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday; March 16, 2023. His passing was preceded by his loving wife of forty-two years: Nancy Phillips; his first wife: Joan Phillips; his parents: Benjamin and May Phillips; a brother: Earl Phillips and a sister: Ann Phillips Knoth.
To cherish Ben’s memory he leaves two daughters: Becky (Gary) Huepenbecker of Monroe and Cindy Vaughn of Oakdale, California; two sons: Dennis (Annette) Phillips of Port St.Lucie, Florida and Tom (Sandy) Phillips of Cornville, Arizona; two step daughters: Leslie (Scott) Martin Cundiff and Laurie Martin Stevens; eleven grandchildren: Craig (Kelly) Huepenbecker, Kara (Andrew) Clark, Sasha Lawless, Levi (Megan) Phillips, Rachel Phillips, Shawn (Tonya) Kraft, Chad (Natalie) Vankirk, Kacy (Jack) Vaccarezza, Joelle Phillips, Jesse Bosh and Graham (Melisa) Howell; twenty-three great grandchildren: Ashlynn, Murray, Koen, Claire, Azlyn, Nakiah, Piper, Rising, Xyla, Adeline, Ruby, Ryder, Ireland, Ashley, Tyler, Silas, Taylyn, Mason, Nicole, Brianna, Braxton, Addison and Thomas; two great-great grandchildren: Bentley and Victoria.
A Celebration of Benjamin’s Life will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday; May 16, 2023 at Christ Lutheran Church, 225 East Elm Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 with Reverend David Hively officiating. His care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
For those desiring, memorial contributions in his honor are suggested to Christ Lutheran Church Food Pantry. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.