Nina L. Phillips 1931-2026

Nina was born Aug. 6, 1931, in Washington, Pa., a daughter of William and Lillian Miller.

Having begun her life during difficult times in our country and under the artful guidance of her parents, she established her grit, strength and fiery characteristics, but all with rooted values, which would serve her well in her long, eventful life to follow.

She was a proud 1949 graduate of Warren G. Harding High School. Spreading her wings, Nina left home and continued her education at Bowling Green State University. While at BGSU, she became a member of Delta Gamma, which served her well in developing and sharpening her social skills. Next, her independent tendencies took her to New York City for fashion merchandising school to build upon her own personal beauty and eye for the chic.

After school, she married the love of her life, Jack E. Phillips, on Sept. 13, 1952. One might say their marriage was “made in heaven.” We don’t know with these two strong personalities if this is true, but we guess heaven will now find out if it is.

Nina loved sports watching and rooting on The Ohio State Buckeyes, Browns, Indians and Cavs. But golf was her love. She loved to compete but mostly loved to be with friends at Trumbull Country Club, at Chip & Putt or on their favorite summer couples’ weekends with lifelong friends. What else did she love? She loved her yard. Mow, mow, mow. Other activities she enjoyed were playing cards, dancing, reading books and spending her winters in Naples, Florida. But she mostly loved just being with friends and family.

She also enjoyed giving back by belonging to the auxiliary and Red Cross Gray Ladies at Trumbull Memorial Hospital, Panhellenic and the CCL Mother’s Club, among others.

(Let us slip this in, as she did not like to talk about it much, but she represented Warren in her role as Mrs. Ohio in 1957.)

Nina will be deeply missed by her brother, Bill (Kay) Miller; her loving sons, Kim (Crystal), Scot (Donna) and Brad (Terri) Phillips; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren on the way.

Since, per Nina’s wishes, there are no calling hours and services, her family would like to share some thoughts. “We knew Mom / Nana / Nina as bold, tough, feisty, sharp-witted, self-assured, honest, insightful, intelligent, fun, caring, beautiful and blunt. Whether you were family, friend or stranger, she would always tell you what she thought. As we all know, this can be both good or bad depending on the receiver. But the thing we do know is she was always sharing with her best intentions in mind and from her heart. She left us, and you, with love and awaits you in heaven, where she again will speak her mind and tell you like it is. Thank you for being part of Nina’s life.”

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association in Nina’s memory.

Arrangements were entrusted to Lane Funeral Homes Roberts-Clark Chapel, Warren. Family and friends may send their heartfelt condolences by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

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