Emma Louise Philabaum
PHOENIX Emma Louise Philabaum, our beloved mother, sister and friend, died on Monday, May 7, 2018. A celebration of her life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at First United Methodist Church at Central and Missouri.
Emma Louise (Emmy/Emma Lou) was born on February 1, 1928 in Phoenix to Marie and Lyman Bennett. Her sisters, Marie Kinnally and Rosie Lyon, were her dear friends throughout her life. She was happily married for 51 years to her childhood sweetheart, Richard (Dick) Philabaum, until his passing in 1999.
Emma Lou was an editor for the Arizona Republic for eight years and worked for Westcor Partners (now Macerich) for over 30 years. Emmy also served on countless community organizations including: the Paradise Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Phoenix Symphony Guild, Humana Hospital Board of Directors, Arizona Historical Society Board and Paradise Valley Community College President’s Circle. She earned a lifetime honorary membership to the PTA based on all her support during her children’s school years. She was active in her church and United Methodist Outreach Ministries, participating in local and international missions and building projects in Mexico and South America.
Emmy was known for her delicious cooking and baking and won several local and national contests for her inventive recipes. She was a freelance writer with articles appearing in many national publications, two of which are memorialized in the Congressional Record.
Emmy and Dick raised five children together and enjoyed summers in their cabin in Walker, AZ and retirement home near Payson, AZ.
Emmy is survived by her sons, Richard R. (Christy) and Robert (Lorrie); her daughters, Gina DuBell (John), Sabrina Jordan and Melissa Jensen (Scott); 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren and three great-greatgrandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Marie Kinnally.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the many loving caregivers at the Terraces of Phoenix and the Emerson House of Boise, Idaho. They showed kindness and care to Emmy, following her 2013 Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Emmy will be remembered for her easy-going disposition; quick and clever wit; extensive vocabulary; creative intelligence; compassionate generosity and her sweet and gracious spirit. She was the heart and soul of her family.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to First United Methodist Outreach Ministries at 5510 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012 or Paradise Valley Community College Foundation at 18401 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85032.