Malta, NY - Ruth Kissel Phillips passed away peacefully Friday, November 11, 2011. She was 85.
Born in Albany, NY, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Mae Kissel and a 1943 graduate of Philip Schuyler High School in Albany. Later in life she attended
Gallaudet University in Washington, DC, where she studied sign language. Formerly employed as an operator at the NY Telephone Company, she also worked nights at the Fuller Brush Company and was a longtime resident of Guilderland Center and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. After the passing of her husband of 28 years, Raymond L. Phillips, Ruth returned to work at the Guilderland Central High School where she worked as a beloved hall monitor for seven years. An avid reader, she loved to travel the United States and abroad.
In addition to her parents and husband, she is predeceased by her brother, Harold (Bud) Kissel, Jr. and a sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Richard Rose.
She is survived by her six children, June Phillips of Minoa, Thomas Phillips of Ballston, Susan Yeager of Elkhart, IN, Mark Phillips of Malta, Keith Phillips of Schenectady and Diana (Paul) Daniels of Ballston Lake; five grandchildren, Stephanie, Tiffany, Paul Jr., Michael and Jennifer; three great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy (John) Miller; brother, and Robert (Deborah) Kissel; and several nieces, nephews and friends.
A funeral was conducted Tuesday, November 15, 2011. Burial will be at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, (518) 584-5373.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
