1958-2025
Darla Sue Phillips, 67, formerly of McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away in her sleep on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at her home in Wichita, KS.
Darla was born January 19, 1958, the loving daughter of Howard E. “Chris” and Carol “Sue” (Matlack) Christensen. She was proud to graduate from McPherson High School in 1976, the U.S.A.’s Bicentennial year. She lettered in Music.
During her childhood years, she was a member of the First Baptist Church where she was active in the youth group. Fond memories were made with the church’s traveling choir going to Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. Her first jobs were working at Peter Pan, Applegates Landing, and Turkey Creek, all in McPherson.
After moving to Wichita, she started working at Rock Island Café where she met her future husband, Shawn Phillips. They married in 1995 at a Presbyterian church in Wichita. Soon after, she started, from the ground up, her own successful cleaning business. She retired in 2023.
She completed a course in Master Gardening from Kansas State University. She and Shawn enjoyed walking through the Botanica Garden in Wichita, and she was keen about her Magnolia tree. She liked watching detective shows, “cheesy B-movies”, and was a Svengoolie fan. A lover of animals, she had dogs, cats, fish, and even a lizard, in her lifetime. Among her enjoyments were sewing, crocheting, but primarily cross stitch.
On trips, Shawn would find Darla sitting back, soaking it all in. Darla would always put others first before herself and often worried about her loved ones and at times, was very protective of Shawn, keeping him out of harm’s way. Her friends were her life. Darla was faithful in her daily devotions and set aside time every morning.
Survivors include her husband, Shawn Phillips of Wichita, KS; mother, Sue Christensen of McPherson, KS; a brother, Neil Christensen of St. Louis, MO; nieces, Katie Christensen and Elizabeth Banuales; a nephew, Erik Christensen; two step-daughters, Dawn Phillips and Amber Phillips; and many extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Howard “Chris” Christensen, and a brother, Daniel Christensen.
The memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, April 12, 2025, at New Gottland Covenant Church, 1700 Pawnee Road, McPherson, KS 67460.
Memorial contributions can be made to the McPherson Animal Shelter in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.
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