Ruth E. Phillips, 72, of Inlet and formerly of Mayfield Heights, OH, died unexpectedly on January 15, 2014, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica.
She was born September 15, 1941 in Cleveland, OH, a daughter of the late Howard I. and Dorothy (Hansen) Hosack. Ruth graduated from Mayfield High School in 1959. She was united in marriage with Howard Phillips on September 3, 1976, in Chardon, OH. The couple moved to Inlet in 1982 and purchased the Inlet Marina. Mr. Phillips passed away in October 2012.
Ruth enjoyed taking part with her friends in the local Relay For Life activities, and was an avid collector of various items. When able to get away from the family-run business, Ruth enjoyed playing the slots at Vernon Downs and other casinos throughout the United States.
Survivors include a son, Joseph W. Meiner and his fiancé, Patricia Sprakers, of SC; two step-daughters, Terrie Adams and her husband, Chad, of Ohio, and Sandra Kleps and her husband, Gordon, also of Ohio; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three brothers, Howard (Virginia) Hosack, Donald (Rosemary) Hosack, and James Hosack, all of Ohio; a sister, Beverly (Wayne) Reese of Ohio; and “Jumbles,” her African Grey parrot. She was predeceased by a brother, Charles Hosack, on January 9, 2014.
The family would like to thank the Inlet Volunteer Emergency Services and Ruth’s many dear friends in the local community for the kind and compassionate help given to Ruth throughout the years.
A graveside service will be held in the spring at Riverview Cemetery. Calling hours were held on Sunday, January 19, 2014, at the Dimbleby, Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral Home in Old Forge. Friends are asked to consider a donation in Ruth’s memory to Inlet Volunteer Emergency Services, P.O. Bix 100, Inlet, NY 13360 or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
