This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Phillips, Dupuis, Melton Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5028/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Mary E. Phillips died on Dec 10, 2010. She was born in Detroit, MI, to Henry and Sadie (Dupuis) Melton on February 10, 1931. She graduated from Marywood Academy and earned her degrees at New Mexico State University in Social Work. Mary married John Phillips (deceased) in 1954. Their children are: Moira Rawson (Lee), Kathleen "Kitty" Phillips-Schaefer (deceased) (Stefan), Julia Phillips-Gilbert (John, deceased), Thomas Phillips (Lisa), Teresa Phillips (Lee Carver), and Patricia Delfin. She is also survived by her wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Benjamin (Kirsten), Simon (Maria), Philip, Caleb, Aimee, Christopher, Kate, Jacob (Whitney), Joel, Max, Jessicah, Abbey, Sara, Staci, Heidi, Grace, WillLee, and Andrew. The Phillips family moved with the Air Force frequently and lived in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Columbia SA, Massachusetts, Spain, Germany, California, and finally New Mexico, a land they dearly loved. Mary's contributions were many. Her dedication to peace and justice began early, and she was involved in the Civil Rights Movement in Albany, Georgia. Mary worked for NM State in Protective Services for ten years, then for the Diocese training Social Work students, and two years as a social worker in T or C, NM. She taught children and adult religious education classes. Another contribution was her work with the New Mexico Alliance for the Mentally Ill. In her retirement, she and John traveled extensively in Mexico. She enjoyed writing stories and poetry, published and unpublished. Long ago she joined the Desert Writers and was always grateful for their support in her writing. She was proudest of her book The School House in Dona Ana. Medication and death has interrupted completion of Mary's novel called Black Mama. She hoped it would be completed by a grandchild. Mary died peacefully at La Posada where she had great care by all, especially Jon LaVertu. Instead of flowers, Mary had requested donations be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice 299 E. Montana Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88005. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, December 18, 2010 at St. Albert Newman Center, 2615 S. Solano Drive, at 10 am. All are invited. Entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels and Baca's Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, Las Cruces. 527-2222 Exclusive providers for "Veteran's and Family Memorial Care" To send condolences online log onto www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on December 15, 2010 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.