Merry Jeanne (DeGraff) Phillips, 84, of Galena, died after a very brief illness April 14, 2022, at the Galena Nursing Center in Galena. Born January 23, 1938, in Joplin, Mo., Merry was the daughter of Frank McKinney and Dorothy Edith DeGraff of Galena. She was a lifelong resident of Galena, graduating from Galena High School with the class of 1956.
In May of 1959, Merry and Bobby Dean Phillips of Webb City, Mo. were united in marriage. They moved to Kansas City, Mo., where they had three children who survive: Cheryl Glades (Phillips) husband Mark) of Galena, Robert (Bobby) Phillips (wife Lorie) of Joplin, Mo., and Tracy Albright (Phillips) (husband Ray) of Galena.
One of two children, Merry was a fiercely independent. After divorcing in the mid-60s Merry Jeanne return to Galena to successfully raise her three children. As a single parent she taught her children to also be independent and active in school activities.
Merry Jeanne was an ardent Galena Bulldogs fan who never missed a football or basketball game. She was most proud that all three of her children graduated high school and also went on to earn bachelor degrees. Merry Jeanne continued to be a fixture in the bleachers as her grandchildren took to the Galena playing fields.
Merry Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents and her loving brother Frank James DeGraff. She was also preceded by her only granddaughter Stephanie Lea (Phillips) Fajardo.
In addition to her children, Merry Jeanne is survived by her sister-in-law, Clara (Maxine) DeGraff of Lowell; six grandsons and their spouses: Sean (Ashely) Glades of Riverton, Mitchell (Ambur) Albright of Galena, Troy Albright (partner Vanessa Eaton) of Baxter Springs, Matthew (Alyssa) Glades of Fort Scott, Christopher (Yumi) Phillips of Joplin, Mo. and Travis (Rebecca) Albright of Washington, DC, as well as thirteen great grandchildren.
Merry Jeanne led a fruitful and productive life. Her only regret may have been that a rubber car was never invented so she could gently help motorist in need of assistance as they tailgated, gawked, or drove too slow in the fast lane.
Merry Jeanne will be interred next to her parents at Hill Crest Cemetery in Galena, April 23, at 10 a.m.