Thelma Phillips

Mrs. Thelma L. (Bitticker) Phillips, 91 of New Philadelphia passed away Friday morning, November 27, 2015 after a brief illness at her daughter’s home in Copley, Ohio.

Born in Strasburg, Ohio on August 12, 1924, she was the daughter of the late, Frank E. Bitticker and Myrtle L. (Gnagy) Bitticker. She was a graduate of New Philadelphia High School in 1942. She was united in marriage to Jesse A. Phillips of New Philadelphia on March 22, 1946. He preceded her in passing on January 10, 1995. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her sister, Vera Burrell and brother, Wilbur Bitticker.

She is survived by her children, Terry L. Phillips of Louisville, Colorado and 2 daughters, Cynthia L. Rinehart (Terry), of Dover, Ohio and Jackie L. Shaffalo (Robert) of Copley, Ohio. In addition to her children she has seven Grandchildren, M. Christopher Phillips, Taryn (Cory) Weiner, and Aaron Rinehart, Sarah (Zachary) Glass, and Jessica (Zachary) Maurer, Zachary (Amanda) Inverso, and Rebecca (Timothy) Minard and nine Great Grandchildren, Carter and Hayden Phillips, Cole Weiner, Riley and Kennedy Maurer, Caleb and Alivia Inverso, and Wyatt and Huck Minard. In addition she is survived by brother-in-laws, Paul Phillips and his wife Julia, and Grover Kennedy, and many nieces and nephews.

Thelma was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She lived for her family and loved family get togethers. During her professional career, she was the Head Finance Manager for Montogomery Wards in Dover for over 30 years until it’s closure in 1980. She enjoyed get togethers with her Montogomery Ward co-workers every month for the past 35 years. She was very active in the local AARP Chapter and was the chapter’s treasurer for many years. She was also an avid bridge player and played bridge with her extended family, her bridge friends most days every week at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center, Jim’s Place and various other churches.

A private memorial service will be held for family and friends later this week.

Memorial contributions may be directed in Thelma’s name to the Tuscarawas County Senior Center.