Josephine Maria McPhillips

March 20, 1925 - Jan. 31, 2008

Josephine Maria McPhillips died Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook, following a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. She was 82 years old.

Josephine was born on March 20, 1925, to Josef and Maria (Schierlinger) Reiner in Schrobenhausen, Germany. She received her formal education in Schrobenhausen. She was a paralegal and bank officer. She also served as a German/English translator for the U.S. Army immediately after World War II. While Josephine was vacationing in Italy, she met Owen F. McPhillips who was serving in the armed services at the time. They were later married on Oct. 1, 1960, in Schrobenhausen. To this union a son, Owen J. McPhillips was born.

They made their home in various locations throughout the United States and Germany due to Owens' career in the Army, until Owen retired at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colo. Due to failing health, Josephine moved to McCook in 2001, to be closer to family. She was living at Hillcrest Nursing Home at the time of her death.

Josephine was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. She enjoyed listening to all kinds of music and spending time with her grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Josef and Maria Reiner; her husband, Owen F. McPhillips; and two sisters, Steffie Reiner and Rena Pawlowsky.

Survivors include her son, Owen J. McPhillips and wife, LaVonne of McCook; sister-in-law, Frances McPhillips of Salem, S.D.; and three grandchildren, Sarah Cobb and husband, Justin of Kearney, Amanda McPhillips and Marc Brandt and wife, Jessica all of McCook.

Memorials may be given in her name.

Friends may sign her book at the funeral home during business hours or go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences.

A memorial service will be at Carpenter Breland Chapel on Saturday, 1 p.m,. with Father Gary Brethour officiating.

Her body will lie in state at the Swan-Law Funeral Home in Colorado Springs where a service will be on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008, at 10 a.m. followed by a burial at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colo.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of local arrangements.