Obituary of Maria Elida (Lily) Phillips

Maria Elida (Lily) Phillips, 90, passed away March 18, 2018 at Golden Palms Retirement and Healthcare Center.

Lily was born in San Benito to Jose A. and Refugia Montemayor on April 30, 1927.  She had six brothers, five of whom preceded her in death. Her husband John Kyle Phillips, son John Wyatt Phillips, and daughter Iris Hargrove also preceded her in passing.

She is survived by her daughters Katy Phillips (Bob Weber), Lisa Phillips Raygor (Richard Raygor), and her brother Hernan Montemayor.  Lily had six grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews that she loved very much.

Our family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Golden Palms for taking such good care of Lily.  We cannot say enough good things about their kind and caring treatment of our mother.

We also wish to thank Martha Cuellar, who initially found Lily after her first stroke and made sure Mom got medical attention right away, essentially saving her life and giving us two additional years with her.  Last, but certainly not least, our tremendous gratitude is extended to Brent Crow for the friendship she and her own mother extended to “Miss Lily”.  They added so much to Mom’s enjoyment and quality of life at the nursing home.

Blessings to all these wonderful individuals.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 23, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, Texas.

A chapel service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, Texas with burial to follow at Heavenly Grace Memorial Park in La Feria, Texas.

You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Maria Elida (Lily) Phillips at: www.thomaegarza.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.