McALISTERVILLE – Cathy A. Phillips, 55, of McAlisterville went to be with her Lord and Savior at 7:54 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2014, at the Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital.
Born June 23, 1959, in Monroe Twp., Juniata County she was a daughter of Janet A. (Stroup) Messimer-Fultz, of Evendale and the late Bruce L. Messimer. On October 6, 1979, she married her surviving husband, Larry A. Phillips, with whom she shared more than 34 years of marriage.
In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by her children, Bobbi Reichenbach and her husband Josh, of Liverpool, Justin Phillips, of McAlisterville, a friend, Randy Sheaffer, who considered Cathy his #2 mom; four sisters, Joan D. Losch and her husband Jeffrey, of Millerstown, Sue E. Reichert and her husband Joseph, of Cocolamus, Diane K. Sheaffer and her husband Timothy, of Richfield, Heidi J. Brubaker and Randal, of McAlisterville, a step father, Charles Fultz, of Evendale and she leaves behind two precious grandchildren, Evan and Ava Reichenbach.
She was a 1977 graduate of East Juniata High School, Cocolamus and a member of the Thompsontown Baptist Church, where she and her husband served as the AWANA leaders.
Mrs. Phillips was a special needs caregiver for Angels on Call, the JAM House, Mifflin and earlier for Supportive Concepts, Lewistown as well as several other local agencies.
Cathy was a people person, who was a strong advocate for anyone with special needs. She loved to watch birds, tend her flower gardens, entertaining those with special needs and attend family gatherings; however, her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren and family.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2014 from the Thompsontown Baptist Church with Pastor Keith Koch and Pastor J. Arthur Mott officiating.
There will be no viewing; however, family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service, Saturday, at the church.
For those who desire, memorial donations in Cathy’s memory may be made to the Mifflin-Juniata Special Olympics, 31 South Dorcas St., Suite A, Lewistown, PA 17044.