In loving memory of

Kirsten Renee Phillips
April 9, 1972 - September 24, 2020

Williamsburg-Kirsten Renee Phillips was born April 9, 1972 in Marengo, Iowa, the daughter of John and Theresa (Dunn) Phillips. She graduated from West High in 1993. Kirsten lived in the Systems Unlimited community for 35 years. She truly enjoyed her time and working at R.E.A.
(Rural Employment Alternative, Inc) in Conroy. In her free time she enjoyed watching DVD's of (the Golden Girls, the Brady Bunch, Annie and Mamma Mia). The time she spent with her family and friends was her favorite. Kirsten passed away with her family by her side on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City at the age of 48.

In addition to the love she gave to so many others, she was able to continue her love by giving 3 other recipients a second chance at life through the Iowa Donor Network.

She is survived by her parents, John and Theresa; a brother, Brian (Jackie) Phillips all of Williamsburg; nieces and nephews, Alex Phillips of Cedar Rapids, Lyndie (Zach) Buch of Urbandale and Ellison Phillips of Williamsburg; aunts and uncles, Tom (Jonnie) Dunn of Colorado Springs, CO, Catherine Dunn of Aurora, CO, Julia Dunn, Pat Dunn of Iowa Falls, Barb Dunn of Independence and David (Monica) Phillips of Marion and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bill and Alvina Dunn, Gaston and Ruth Phillips, 2 uncles, Bill Dunn and Kevin Dunn.

A private family Celebration of Life Graveside will be held. Memorial in honor of Kirsten may be directed to R.E.A., PO Box 24, Conroy, Iowa 52220 or sent to the Powell Funeral Home, PO Box 269, Williamsburg, Iowa 52361. Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg is caring for Kirsten and her family. Messages and tributes for the family may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.

Tributes

Jayne Cox-Lindsey wrote on Oct 7, 2020:

"Dear John, Theresa and Brian-I was so sorry to hear about Kirsten's passing. I have so many fond memories of her and the Downey Drive gang. She brough so much joy to so many people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Be well. Jayne Cox-Lindsey "

Betsey Sue Neipert wrote on Sep 30, 2020:

"I kept staring at Kristen's picture, thinking< "I know her!" Finally I read the obit carefully, and when I saw REA, I realized she worked for my company when I employed REA and they came on board, supporting employees in their very important work in my office! Now I REMEMBER KRISTEN, and I do remember her very wonderful presence. I retired from that business long ago and entered ministry. My profound gratitude to you for such a wonderful lady. May you find comfort in these difficult days. Kristen blessed so many of us. (signed Pastor Betsey Sue Neipert)"

Kay and Mark McMann wrote on Sep 30, 2020:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sad time. How wonderful that she will be helping others in her donations...the finest gift! "

Susan Bell wrote on Sep 29, 2020:

"Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Kirsten. And what an honor towards Kirsten to be a donor. That is truly a great gift. She will live on through others. Love, Susan & Shayla Bell"

Lee Ann Rinderer wrote on Sep 28, 2020:

"So sorry to hear this.I spent my April Birthdays together with her.In fact two years I drove to her Iowa City house and we had pizza and blizzards together.I will miss her fun spirit and her hugs.So glad we went to Iowa Lake together and had Smores.Her REA buddy Lee Ann Rinderer "

Tish wrote on Sep 28, 2020:

"Fly High Kirsten!!!!"

Mary McCord wrote on Sep 28, 2020:

"I have known Kirsten for longer than you as her family may know. Over the years I her attitude and love so much. She made me feel loved and happy, too. I was a teacher aide in Barb's class when Kirsten was in grade school. I wish I had not lost contact with Barb because I know she would want to reach out to you. We loved the bright cheery way she made us feel. She had such a personality at even that age. More recently I have worked with her at REA when as a part of a Safe Haven group I would come to sort cans at the building. She was a joy to know and love. Mary McCord"

Gary and Barb Hopp wrote on Sep 28, 2020:

"We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. "

Gary and Barb Hopp wrote on Sep 28, 2020:

"We are so sorry for your loss and will keep your family in our prayers as you go through this difficult time. Gary and Barb Hopp"

Connie Von Ahsen wrote on Sep 27, 2020:

"So sorry for your loss. I remember spending time with Kirsten when we'd stop by during our banking days. She was always happy. You are in our prayers."

Cindy Goldammer wrote on Sep 27, 2020:

"So sorry to hear of Kirsten's passing. God be with you at this time of sorrow Cindy Gdammer"

Jennifer Mequi-Nelson wrote on Sep 27, 2020:

"I am so sorry for your loss,my prayers are with your family, my favorite memories of Kirsten is when ever she see you she always gives you hugs and kisses ?. "

Kineke wrote on Sep 27, 2020:

"Condolences to her family, I had the pleasure of working with Kirsten and she loved her golden girls. RIP??"

Cathy wrote on Sep 27, 2020:

"Love you sweet girl, will miss you forever!"

Melinda Haley wrote on Sep 26, 2020:

"John and Teresa- I had the opportunity to be a part of Kirsten's life for many many years and her laugh and smile captured a room. I was equally impressed by the both of you who loved her so much and she so loved you. I have many great memories of Kirsten! One that sticks out is when we went to see the play Annie (one of her favorite movies). We sat in the front row and her face lit up as she sang along ...word for word! My prayers and thoughts are with you during this very hard time. Melinda Haley"

jonnie wrote on Sep 26, 2020:

"We never lose our loved ones, they don't disappear from our lives, we are merely in different rooms. We will miss your sweet smile, laugh and one liner comments."

Jon Dunn wrote on Sep 25, 2020:

"Kirsten was always smiling. Had a great sense of humor and made some of the more mundane family events, as kids, bearable. Still one of my favorite memories was her listening to a Sesame Street record in our basement .. ..I can?t even remember how old we were.....but a song ?cookie starts with C? sung by Cookie Monster. Her love for that song and the animation she brought to it still to this day makes me laugh. Thanks for the great memories cuz. Love you. "

Lj Miller wrote on Sep 25, 2020:

"Kirsten, you are such a sweet gal. It was great fun participating with you in Cook the Book Club at the Library. And seeing you at Christmas Eve Service at St. Paul's Methodist Church. And your bright, happy face at Mom and Dad's this summer. You will be missed, for sure. "