Dixie "Elaine" Phillips

Dixie "Elaine" Phillips, 88, of Lake City, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, March 10, 2026 at the Haven Hospice - Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City after an extended illness.

She was born in Clinton, Missouri on August 7, 1937 to Herman C. Guenther and Frances Baker Guenther. Following High School, she attended Central Missouri State College graduating with a degree in teaching. While in college, she met her future husband Ralph who was also pursuing a teaching degree. Shortly after graduating, Elaine and Ralph moved to Pennsville, New Jersey where she taught students for 23 years.

Upon retirement, Elaine and Ralph moved to Lake City, Florida to build their retirement home in an airpark flying community and spend their time relaxing, flying and travelling. While in Lake City, Elaine was active in her church, First Presbyterian Church of Lake City. She also enjoyed doing crafts with her neighbors, flying their airplane, and helping run the Young Eagles Program, a flying program for kids.

Elaine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph; son, Keith; and daughter, Karen Sue. She is survived by her children, Cheryl, Kevin, Carl, and Chris, 10 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family and burial will be at Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, Elaine would prefer donations to St. Judes Children Hospital in her name.