Joan Marie Phillips

December 16, 1931 - November 20, 2018

KINGSFORD -Joan Marie Phillips age 86, left us for her next journey through the forest and streams to God’s Kingdom. On November 20, 2018, Joan passed away peacefully with her babies by her side. Joan grew up at a time when the simple things were the best things. A time when getting into trouble was playing by the railroad tracks or swimming in Vulcan Lake on a hot day when she should have been pulling weeds! Joan or as many called her when she was young “Booboo,” was born to Leo and Margaret VanGoethem on December 16, 1931 in Norway, Michigan. She graduated from Norway High School in 1950. In her younger days she worked for Kraft Foods in Green Bay while attending business school. Later, she worked for Dickinson County until her retirement. Joan enjoyed the outdoors, often taking walks in the woods near her home. She loved dogs and they always brought a smile to her face. She was an avid painter and enjoyed reading, sewing and crafts. Joan was a good cook and often stretched a meal for unexpected company. No one went away hungry. She is survived by four children: William Phillips, Michael (Patty) Phillips, Patricia (James) Charlier, Deborah (Kevin) VanPay; ten grandchildren and step grandchildren, Jacqueline (Patrick) Ryan, Stephanie Phillips, Stephan Phillips, Jennifer (Tony) Adam, Michelle (David) Alexa, Jimmy Charlier, Carly Charlier, Logan Koebel, Nathan (Megan) VanPay, Kyle (Megan) VanPay; five great grandchildren: Taylor, Bryce, Ethan, Ella and Adilynne. Family will greet friends on Saturday, December 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Ortman Funeral Home in Norway. Joan will be laid to rest at the Norway Township Cemetery. Family is requesting that any memorials be made as donations to the Solomonson Branch of the Dickinson County Library, 620 Section Street, Norway, Michigan 49870 in Joan’s name. In years past, she contributed in the name of her parents and it is a worthy cause to continue. The family would like to thank Joan’s Angels from the Angel’s on Humboldt Assisted Living Facility in Green Bay, Wisconsin for the care and kindness they gave Joan the past two years and Heartland Hospice, Green Bay for their compassion and help in the final weeks of her life.