Mrs. Ruth Jean Underwood Phillips

Mrs. Ruth Jean Underwood Phillips (93) died peacefully, with family by her side, on October 18, 2022. Mrs. Phillips is predeceased by her husband, Robert Grant Phillips, Sr., her parents, James Alfred Underwood and Idabelle Oelkers Underwood, as well as her brother John Richard Underwood. She is survived by her children: Vicki Phillips, Robert Phillips (Erin), and Richard Phillips (Vickie) of Walhalla. She is also survived by her six grandchildren: Rob Calhoun, Meghan Henley (Ryan), Lauren Hill (Jon), Tyler Phillips (Melanie), Natalie Woodall (Zac), Caitlin Chewning (Daniel), and her six great grandchildren: Collin Henley, Aneliese Henley, Hudson Hill, Parker Hill, Willow Woodall, and Beren Chewning. Passionate about her family, her students, her community, her German heritage, and traveling, Mrs. Phillips led a full life, filled with joy and productivity. Touching the lives of countless individuals, she ushered many students on unforgettable trips to Europe. Mrs. Phillips enjoyed Bridge Club, Garden Club, and beach trips with friends. She especially loved Sunday nights at the lake with her family. Mrs. Phillips earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Clemson University, continuing into a distinguished career as a high school math teacher of 32 years. As a teacher in the Walhalla schools, she received the Oconee County Achievement Award seven times. In 1975, she was honored to be chosen as one of only 30 teachers in the United States to attend a computer workshop in Colorado to explore computer usage as an instructional tool in algebra. Serving her state, Mrs. Phillips was appointed by the State Superintendent to the Teacher Education Council to advise the State Board of Education. Mrs. Phillips was appointed Field Coordinator to implement ACT 187. Named as Teacher of the Year numerous times, Mrs. Phillips was the only classroom teacher appointed to the South Carolina Educator Improvement Task Force. She won the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Education and was designated Outstanding Graduate by the Education Department at Clemson University. Mrs. Phillips, along with a group of passionate stakeholders, worked tirelessly to restore the historic Walhalla Graded School building, ultimately resulting in the formation of the Walhalla Auditorium Restoration Committee (WARC). The committee held numerous fundraisers and sought community donations, leading to the opening of the Walhalla Civic Auditorium in 2003. Today, Walhalla Performing Arts Center (WPAC) is a vibrant part of Oconee County and is a lasting legacy to those involved. For the kindness and attention of the caregivers at The Residences at Park Place and at MSA Hospice, the family offers heartfelt gratitude and appreciation. A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 30 at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Walhalla at 2:30. The family will receive friends from 1:30-2:30 in the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Luke Methodist food pantry or to the Walhalla Performing Arts Center (WPAC).

Mrs. Ruth Jean Underwood Phillips

December 19, 1928 - October 18, 2022