Helen D. Phillips

Helen Darlene Phillips

April 4, 1927-August 13, 2025

Helen D. Phillips, 99, was rewarded for her strong faith when she passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Charter of Northpark Senior Living in Sioux City, Iowa.

A visitation followed by a celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Morningside Chapel, 1801 Morningside Avenue, Sioux City, Iowa 51106, with a luncheon to follow.

Helen Darlene Phillips, daughter of Thomas and Amelia (Gunsolley) Cooper was born on April 4, 1927, in Walt Hill, Nebraska. She was one of sixteen children, and remained close to all her brothers and sisters her entire life. At the age of fourteen she left home, moved to Sioux City, and became a domestic helper.

As a young woman, Helen attended a local dance where she met a handsome sailor in his dress uniform by the name of Burdette (Bud) Phillips. They married on July 29th, 1947, and in 1950, purchased their one and only home on 1004 S. Helen Street, hence the nickname “Helen on Helen”. In 2003, Bud passed away, and Helen continued to live in their home another 22 years. In total, Helen lived there for 75 years.

In 1950, the couple had their first child, Dennis (Denny), followed by the birth of their daughter, Karen, in 1953.

Helen worked in various jobs her entire adult life, including the box factory, Johnson Biscuit Company, Aalfs Manufacturing, and Zenith Inc. Her last position was in the Food Service Department for the Sioux City Community Schools. When she retired from that job, she went on to clean homes for others.

When Helen retired from gainful employment, she began volunteering at Mission of The Messiah for several years, which she enjoyed immensely.

In 1955, Helen became a member of Morningside Lutheran Church, and served faithfully in any capacity needed. She was a devout Christian, and her faith was reflected in everything she did. She became a member of the church sewing group, whose members became her friends. Among other tasks, they created beautiful quilt tops to send to other countries where needed.

Quilting became one of Helen’s favorite pastimes. She made quilts for all her grandchildren as well as other family members and their friends. She loved crafts in general, and created over one hundred stuffed and jointed Teddy Bears, using old fur coats or any type of fur she could find.

Helen’s other passion was her yard and garden, which she worked at tirelessly until it became a showcase of lush grass, beautiful flowers and plants. When she wasn’t baking scrumptious cookies and pies, you could find her outside tending to her garden. She loved the outdoors, and went for long walks every day. She also enjoyed traveling with family and visiting her children and grandchildren.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Karen, her sister, Amy, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud, son, Dennis, and fourteen of her siblings.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Midwest.