Ruthanne Phillips

Ruthanne (Zulauf) Phillips was born on April 8, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; the only child of John and Georgia Zulauf. Ruthanne and her parents moved to Sedalia, MO in 1947, near the family farm in Tipton, MO. The farm was the hub for many family gatherings and memories throughout her life.

Ruthanne graduated from Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia, MO in 1952 and attended Graceland College in Lamoni, IA where she met and fell in love with James Phillips. The two were married on June 5, 1954, and spent the next decade taking turns pursuing additional education and starting a family together in Warrensburg, MO and Rolla, MO. Son, Stephen Phillips, was born in 1957 and daughter, Jane Phillips, was born in 1959. The family moved to Independence, MO in 1965 and lived amongst a wide community of friends for 20 years before relocating to Kansas City. In 2007, Ruthanne and Jim moved from their South Plaza home to Kingswood Senior Living Community which provided many loving friends and a supportive community to both.

Beginning as the sole teacher in a rural one-room schoolhouse, Ruthanne taught elementary school for 39 years before retiring in 1993 from the Independence School District. Not only did she influence countless students in the classroom, but she was also an influential member of the Missouri Education Association as well as the National Education Association where she held various positions, traveled frequently to Washington D.C., and made many friends. She had the opportunity to promote her love of reading to children by dressing as the Cat in the Hat and visiting local elementary schools.

Ruthanne spent many years horseback riding with Jane and tending to their beloved horses. She volunteered as den mother to Steve’s cub scout den and organized their activities to earn merit badges. Together, she and Jim served as summertime counselors for their church’s senior high youth camp where many hijinks ensued. Summer also found her at the local pool working as a certified swimming instructor, at times arriving for duty on her Yamaha motorcycle.

On a trip to Switzerland with Jim in 1978, Ruthanne dug into her family history and connected with distant Swiss relatives. She cultivated these relationships the rest of her life and enjoyed additional trips to Switzerland as well as hosting the relatives when they visited the United States.

After retirement, Ruthanne worked part-time as a receptionist for KCUR in Kansas City where she made lifelong friends with many of her colleagues and enjoyed meeting the interesting guests who filtered in and out of the studio. At Kingswood, she served on the board of directors and advocated for the residents and staff.

Ruthanne stayed in touch with friends from all phases in her life and always continued to make new friends. She delighted in keeping up to date with her acquaintances through phone calls, letters, emails, and frequent lunch dates around Kansas City.

Ruthanne is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years James Phillips and parents John and Georgia Zulauf. She is survived by children Stephen Phillips (Alice Graybill) and Jane Phillips; grandchildren Emily Phillips (Brian Kastli) and Anna Phillips; and great grandchildren Camille Phillips, Oliver Kastli, and Ezra Kastli.

A memorial reception will be held on Saturday, May 13, at Kingswood Senior Living in the Westminster ballroom. It was Ruthanne’s desire to have an informal gathering of friends and family and we invite you to join us at any time between 2:00 and 4:00 pm. Please gather in community and celebration with the broad spectrum of acquaintances that she fostered throughout her professional and personal life.

Beginning at 3:00 pm, members of the family will share some memories and perspectives followed by a benediction. Snacks and beverages will be served.

Kingswood is located at 10000 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114. It is recommended that you arrive via the main entrance, where we will provide assistance with parking (if needed) and check-in protocols. Kingswood does require facemasks to be worn upon arrival and in public areas. Once in the ballroom, exercise good judgement to minimize potential exposure. (COVID continues to circulate in the facility, as in the world at large.)