Elizabeth "Beth" M. Phillips

Elizabeth “Beth” M. Phillips, 53, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on July 18, 2021. She was born on December 18, 1967 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin daughter to James and Lois (Gartner) Girard. A Boylan Catholic High School 1986 graduate, Beth proceeded to attend college until she found herself working at Valley Bank in 1990. That bank changed to Alpine Bank, finally to Midland States Bank and as the banks changed Beth’s roll changed and grew from a Teller and finally to a Mortgage Originator. Being the determined, kind hearted person Beth was, she excelled in helping families find the best fit loans and mortgage terms and made sure they understood such an important part of their lives. Beth was also very dedicated, both to her faith and to her family. A longtime member of Holy Family Catholic Church where she married the love of her life, Michael “David” Phillips on February 29, 1992, they attended St. Rita Catholic Church after relocating to Cherry Valley. The most important to Beth though was her family. She was devoted to giving the best life that she could to her children. She would make them Halloween costumes, enrolling them to all kinds of different activities like Girl Scouts, sports, swimming and dance. She loved spending time with her family, especially if the Chicago Cubs were involved. In 2016 Beth and Dave became season ticket holders, and were especially proud to be ticket holders during the World Series when the Cubs won. Beth will be missed by all who knew her, when she walked into a room her radiant smile would elevate the room with her joy because she was so happy to be with people she cared about.

She will be survived by those who loved her most, her husband of 29 years, David Phillips; her children, Michael Youngs, Allison (Matthew Sciame) Phillips, and Emily Phillips; siblings, Michael (Gail) Girard, Steven (Colleen) Girard, Janet (Todd) Wood, and Jonathan (Victoria) Girard; her numerous nieces, nephews, and beloved friends. She was predeceased by her grandparents and her parents.

A visitation will take place on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 from 4:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. Visitation will continue the following day, Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Drive, Rockford, Illinois 61109. Burial at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to OSF Cancer Care or to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com