Richard L. Phipps

Richard LeRoy Phipps, 70, of Rock Creek, died after a lengthy illness at his home on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015. The family will greet friends from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28 at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton. Following the visitation there will be a graveside service at Rock Creek Cemetery. Memorials to PALS or Grinnell Hospice may be left at the funeral home.

Richard was born on April 19, 1944, in Grinnell to Glenn and Naomi (Bleakney) Phipps. He attended Grinnell schools. Richard started his work history working at One Minute in Kellogg, later going to the Maytag Company in Newton, retiring in 1992. Following his retirement, Richard kept busy working construction and then retiring a second time from Priority Plastics in Grinnell.

Richard enjoyed the outdoors and was happiest while hunting or just wandering around the farm enjoying nature. He liked fishing and picnicking with the family. Richard had a huge heart and loved family time.

Richard married Lucille “Jody” Phipps on Feb. 11, 1971, and to this marriage a son, Shane LeRoy, was born. Rich leaves on this earth his wife, Jody; son, Shane (Nancy) Phipps; grandchildren, Katie (Travis) Bilberry, Megan Harmeson and Ross Jacob Harmeson; a great-grandson, Jase Bilberry; two brothers, Jack (Doris) Phipps and John (Marcy) Phipps; and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, RuthAnn Grandstaff; and two brothers, Bill Phipps and Jim Phipps.