Robert Kenneth Phillips

Robert “Bob” Phillips, age 94, longtime resident of Grandville, passed away peacefully into the arms of his loving Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 18, 2024, in Grandville, Michigan. He leaves a legacy of memories that are treasured by his family and all who knew him.

Bob was born to Harold and Gladys (Libby) Phillips on October 18, 1930, in Grand Rapids. He grew up in Wyoming, Michigan, the fourth of ten children. He was a tall, thin, quiet boy who graduated from Wyoming Park High School in 1948. He met the love of his life, Gracemarie Mitchell, in chemistry class as a sophomore there. They were married on October 28, 1950 in Byron Center, Michigan. Bob and Grace initially bought a small home on Buchanan in Wyoming. They moved from Wyoming to a newly built home on Ivanrest in Grandville in 1955 where they raised their four children who all graduated from Grandville High School.

In 1953, Bob and Grace purchased a cottage on Barlow Lake in Yankee Springs Township with Grace’s parents, Martha and Jincks Mitchell and Robert Mitchell, Grace’s brother. Upon becoming sole owners of the cottage in 1965, Bob took down the outhouse and put in an electric water pump and a toilet. He also did the cement work - putting in sidewalks, entrance stairs, and a septic tank he made himself. He borrowed the cement mixer from his best friend, Joe Mucha. He later put aluminum siding on both the cottage and his home himself.

Bob retired from Thorn Apple Valley in 1992; he had worked there 46 years starting when he was 16. In his early years, he was the company meat smoker; he moved up to be the shipping and receiving foreman. He was loved by his employees as a “working supervisor." He always wore the same clothing as all the employees instead of a management overcoat.

Bob loved the outdoors and spending time with his family. He loved to fish at the cottage with his father-in-law, his children, and grandchildren. He was an avid hunter. From October until March he would go rabbit hunting every Saturday, often times with his brother, Jack. Every November he would go deer hunting at Joe Mucha’s cabin with Joe and Joe’s sons.

Upon retirement, Bob and Grace spent the next 25 years from January through March in Winter Garden, Florida. They loved the warm weather and many friends they made there; Bob enjoyed playing petanque, riding bikes with Grace, and playing cards with neighbors. Upon returning home each spring, Bob loved working in his garden in Grandville - growing strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, beans, potatoes, grapes, and more. His freezer was always loaded with its bounty. He and Grace harvested, canned, and froze much, but most was shared with family, friends, and neighbors. Each time someone would stop by for a visit they were urged to take a bag or a box of fruit or vegetables home with them. Bob mowed his and two of his neighbors’ lawns every spring and summer, again spending time outdoors.

Bob always loved a bargain. He believed no one should pay full price, especially if they could get a sale or clearance price. Also he believed he could and would fix almost anything broken around the house or cottage, so it would not need to be replaced. He was a big fan of JB Weld.

Robert and Grace were members of South Wyoming United Methodist Church for over 50 years where Bob was the superintendent of Sunday school for many years. Bob and Grace also attended Bowens Mill Chapel in the summers while spending time at the cottage. They attended Grandville United Methodist Church in recent years. Bob loved Jesus and reading his Bible.

Bob was very proud of his family, wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved hearing and telling stories about what was going on throughout his family.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Gladys Phillips (Libby); brothers Harold, Jack (Sue), James, and Donald (Mary); sisters June, Marilyn (Doug) Stauffer, and Helen (Donald) Kinney. Bob is survived by the love of his life, Gracemarie his wife of 74 years; and Bob is also survived by his children and their spouses John (Lindy) Phillips of Clarkston, Michigan, Bonnie (Joe) Kohane of Whitestown, Indiana, Patti (Rick) Boom of Grandville, Michigan, and Penny (Brian) Zokoe of Hudsonville, Michigan; one brother, Duane Phillips of Caledonia, Michigan; and one sister, Phyllis Rahn of Jenison, Michigan; 20 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Bob will be deeply missed by his family, neighbors, and friends.

According to Robert’s wishes cremation has taken place at Cook Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be held after the holidays. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.