Mary A. Phillips — Indianapolis

Mary A. (Deckard) Phillips, 79, of Indianapolis, formerly of Rochester, passed away peacefully to join our father and our heavenly Father on Friday, Oct. 25, 2013.

Mary was born Sept. 1, 1934, in Danville, Ill. She married Floyd L. Phillips in South Bend, Ill.

She is survived by one loving brother, Don Deckard of Lady Lakes, Fla.

Mary had four children, Brad Phillips and his partner, Jeff Keegan of Cape Coral, Fla., Kathy (Bob) Marnocha of Rochester, Patrick Phillips of Indianapolis and Bridget (Brad) Bieberich of Indianapolis. Mary had eight grandchildren, Ryan (Molly) McHenry of Eden Prairie, Michael Marnocha of Cape Coral, Matthew Marnocha of Rochester, Spencer, Conner, Riley and Kennedy Phillips and Emma Bieberich all of Indianapolis.

This is a tribute to our mother, whose first priority was to her family. She tirelessly devoted herself to her husband, children and grandchildren, and selflessly made sure we had a home filled with love, homemade meals, and instilled in us love for one another, manners and respect for all. Our mother could have written a book on how to be a "great mom" and friend to all.

She worked at and retired from K-mart after 25 years at the service desk, including four years at the Rochester store. She left behind lifelong friends that she shared many fond memories with; she missed and loved them all.

The hardest part is remembering something we want to call our mom about and share with her, or thinking our mom would like this or that, then remembering she has gone to Heaven. But sad as it might be, I do not need a phone to talk to Mom now. I just look up to Heaven and talk to her there, wherever I am.

The last time I talked to Mom, I said, "Good night, Mom, and I love you," not knowing it would be my last. So in closing, I hope everyone's last words to family that they love, is "I love you." What better way to say goodbye?

So, "Good night, Mom, and I love you."