Ann Jane Phillips

Ann Jane Phillips of Olathe passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025. She was born on October 5, 1942 in Des Moines Iowa, the daughter of Richard and Helen Woods. Ann graduated from Des Moines’ Lincoln High School and the University of Northern Iowa. She taught elementary school in Grinnell Iowa, Waterloo Iowa, and Lawrence Kansas. Ann was the Director of Academic Services at the University of Kansas School of Engineering for twenty years. Ann was an active member of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection West for many years.

Ann was an example to all of us on how to live life to the fullest. Her energy seemed to have few limits. She was always engaged in various activities and projects, cheering for the Jayhawks, and traveling to destinations near and far. Ann was very creative; she could sew anything, bake anything and loved doing arts and crafts with her children, and later with her grandchildren. She was service-minded and used her talents to do things such as making dresses for children in need and quilts for the elderly. Ann was one of those special people who took the time to truly get to know people and she made sure everyone felt special. Her calendar was packed full with her kids’ and grandkids’ events, women’s groups, neighborhood parties, yet she was always up for going out to dinner or helping her family at a moment’s notice. She leaves lasting memories with those who knew and loved her. She will be remembered as a welcoming neighbor, warmhearted friend and sister, supportive mother and grandmother, and loving wife.

Ann is survived by her devoted husband Ed Phillips of the home, children Bradley Bakerink of Shawnee (Nancy Hanks) and Nicole Bakerink of Olathe (Hernan Slepacoff), grandchildren Jack Bakerink and Alina Slepacoff, stepchildren Chris Phillips of Penn England (Nadine), Jennifer Favero of Overland Park (John) and Katie Cox of Olathe (Brandon), and stepgrandchildren Lauren Phillips, Ryan Phillips, Brody Cox and Morgan Cox. Ann is also survived by brother Dale Woods of Iowa City Iowa (Doris), sister Beverly Duysen of Carmel Indiana, sister-in-law Maxine Woods of Des Moines Iowa, and many nieces and nephews. Ann was preceded in death by her parents and brother Richard D. Woods Jr.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 4th at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection West, 24000 W Valley Parkway, Olathe Kansas. The family will receive friends at 10:00 AM followed by the Service at 11:00 AM, and a Reception at 12:00 PM. Burial will be at the Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth Kansas at 2:30 PM.

To share a memory of Ann, or to leave a message for the family, visit the guestbook below.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions in memory of Ann to be given to Flourish Furniture Bank, 11971 Grandview Rd Ste A, Grandview, MO 64030. https://flourishfurniturebank.org/dedication/

The service will be livestreamed at: www.cor.org/memorialsonline