Doris June Last

Doris June Kubatzke Phillips Last, age 87, has peacefully passed from this life to life everlasting Tuesday September 20th, 2016, in Freeport Illinois. Doris was born Thursday June 20th 1929 in Damascus Illinois, to Earl and Ruth (Kneller) Kubatzke. Her first home was in Ridott Illinois. She was an 8th grade graduate of Damascus School, and graduated from Orangeville High School in 1947. Doris was a beautiful, hardworking, family oriented, generous and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She married Duane L. Phillips in October 1947 and the couple had 7 children together, 18 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Doris retired after 30 years of work at Micro Switch (Honeywell). She also worked for Fairbanks Morse and Company, The Clifton Hotel, Piggly Wiggly, McEllens-Kreges dime stores, and Woolworth's. She was an Avon representative for many years. Doris grew up in church, as have her children. She loved her church, and was a lifelong member of St. John United Church of Christ in Freeport. Baptized in November 1942 and confirmed in April 1943. She was a Sunday and bible school teacher, and church school registrar. Community involvement included FACC Volunteer/ Pads, and Lay Care Ministry volunteer. Doris enjoyed church ministry duties of liturgist, teacher, and usher. She was always up on her news and current events with her family or the "happenings" of the city, state, country and world. She loved traveling, cutting out articles of interest, collecting the latest coupons not just for her needs, but for her family with perfectly cut edges. She could fold a fitted sheet with magical ease and flatten a plastic bag flatter and neater than when it was created. Doris was a wonderful cook and provider for her family. She loved her coffee and rolls, sharing the latest news with her ladies groups. Dinners with family were especially important to her as were her love for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Doris loved to read to them and also loved reading her own assortment of news, books, papers and above all her Bible. Her activities included Women's Clubs, Inter-Se and Durand Women's Club. A longtime election judge, secretary of the Stephenson County Antique Engine Club as well as a 43 year membership. Doris was honored to be elected as the Queen of the Stephenson County Engine Club in 1980. She also enjoyed RV traveling, Holiday Ramblers Trailer Club Member (state and national), former member of the Mt. Morris Moose Club, and loved flowers of all kinds especially bird of paradise and pansies. She was an avid gardener, bowler, fan of racing (#24 Jeff Gordon), the Cubs, White Sox, The Bulls (Rodman) The Bears (Ditka), and the Black Hawks. She was warmly welcomed wherever she volunteered for or traveled to in the many states that she visited her children, grandchildren, and friends. She will be deeply missed as well as her teachings, kindness, grace, and love which will go on with her family through their continued honor of her memory. Doris is survived by her 7 children; Regina Bertram, Melody (Gregory) Mokros, of Freeport Duane (Debra) Phillips of Rockford, David (Sandra) Phillips of Lake Zurich, Douglas (Karen) Phillips of Rockford, Dawn (Wayne) Gimple of Dakota Illinois, and Lana (Paul) Testa of North Carolina. 18 grandchildren; Amanda Bertram, Alex (Nikki) Bertram, Meghann (Jeff)Talbot, James (Sarah) Mokros, Ashley (Chad) Capes, Devin (Cora) Phillips, Rachel Phillips, Allison Phillips(Kyle) Metzger, Sarah Phillips, Brett (Gabby) Phillips, Colin Phillips, Ross Phillips, Christopher Gimple, Nicholas Gimple, Benjamin Holloway (deceased), Brianna (Anthony) Martz, Mikayla Lamont, Hannah Lamont, and one step grandchild Angela Testa. Her 5 great-grandchildren; Finnegan Talbot, Noah Talbot, Cameron Mokros, Riley Mokros, and Hayden Capes. Two Sisters Marjorie Damon of Durand Illinois, Alta Wuthrich of Orangeville, sister in law Marilyn Cummins, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Earl and Ruth (Kneller) Kubatzke, her sister and brother-in-law Jane and Lyle Cummins, brother and sister-in-law; Bill and Joyce Kubatzke and one grandchild, Benjamin Holloway, brother in laws Gene Wuthrich, and Dale Damon. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday September 24th; 2016 with visitation from 9am until the time of the service at 10:30 am with internment at Grandview Cemetery, and a reception to follow at St. Johns United Church of Christ. Reverend Hank Fairman will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Doris' life. The family would like to extend a very heart felt thank you to the staff, CNA's, nursing staff, and Hospice for their care and concern for our mother during the time that she resided at Liberty Village Manor Court. A memorial fund has been established in her name.