Judy Ann (Blackburn) Phillips, age 68, of WaKeeney, passed away Thursday, January 4, 2018 at her home in WaKeeney. She was born November 15, 1949, in Hays, Kansas, to William Frederick and Leona Lorene (Shubert) Blackburn.

Judy was a 1967 graduate of Ellis High School and attended Fort Hays State University. On September 1, 1967, she was united in marriage to Albert Lynn Phillips, in McPherson, Kansas. She wasn’t afraid of any type of work or challenge. She worked several professions including housewife, mother and grandmother, Scale operator at Farmer’s Grain of Ellis, Rancher, and would retire as the Director of Communications at the Trego County Dispatch Center.

Judy was in her 40th year of sobriety and mentored many in their paths to sobriety during her lifetime.

Judy was the queen of pinochle and found much joy in teaching the game to others. She spent many hours of her life on the Saline River north of Ellis. Judy enjoyed shooting photos of nature and wildlife, using those photos and her poetry to create greeting cards. Judy loved to cook and shared her secret recipes with her granddaughters. Her sense of humor and laughter were infectious and recognized by all.

Survivors include her husband Bert; son, Travis (Monique) Phillips of WaKeeney; daughter, Nikki (Steven) Hausler of Ellis; grandchildren, Cheyenne (Zack) Ewing, Shawnee Phillips, and Dani Jo Hausler; brother, Wayne Walz of Plainville; sister, Peggy Blackburn of Ellis; numerous nieces and nephews; and her special little service dog, Nellie. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Delores Elliot and Diane Langley; and son-in-law, Todd Joseph Schmidt.

Family hosted memorial services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Ellis United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105 or Hospice Services, Inc., 424 8th St, Phillipsburg, KS 67661.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you bring a rock to the service to symbolize the “rock” Judy was to so many and to honor the love Judy had for rocks.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.schmittfuneral.com.