Phillis (Howell) Gifford

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, Phillis Gifford, who passed away on March 28, 2024, at the age of 86. She died peacefully in her sleep at the Ohio Valley Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Ripley, Ohio where she had been a resident for five years.

Phillis was born May 5, 1937, to Ruth (Craycraft) and Harlan Howell. She grew up in Maysville, Kentucky with her three siblings and was raised by her mother and stepfather, the late Ruth and R.W. (Wick) Hawkins. Phillis was also preceded in death by her husband – Shirley Lee Gifford in 1968. They lived in Ripley, Ohio and worked together at U.S. Shoe until his tragic death of cancer at the age of 32. Phillis was deeply saddened by the death of beloved sister – Joyce DeVore in 2014 and later that same year another sister – Harlene Carl.

Despite facing many challenges in her young life Phillis was resilient and persevered through every obstacle. She was fiercely independent and believed hard work was the only key to success. And that she did. After 20 years with Cincinnati Milacron Phillis retired at the age of 65. She purchased a new home and moved back to Ripley.

Phillis is survived by her youngest sister – Shirley Cox of The Villages, Florida; her only brother – Ben Hawkins of Franklin Furnace, Ohio; brother-in-law – Bud DeVore of Ripley, Ohio; four nieces and one nephew.

A small graveside service for family and friends will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Maplewood Cemetery in Ripley, Ohio. Phillis will be buried alongside her late husband and one sister. The Cahall Funeral Home in Ripley, Ohio is serving the family.

We will miss Phillis but take comfort in the fact that she is now in a better place, free from pain and suffering. May she rest in eternal peace.

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