Violet Vi Phillips
Violet R. Phillips, 91, of Moravia, NY and Sebastian, FL, passed away peacefully, Monday, June 1, 2026, in Ithaca, NY after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family.
Violet "Vi" was born January 15, 1935, in the Town of Niles, NY. She married her high school sweetheart Donald “Don” E. Phillips in 1953. Together they owned a small dairy farm in the town of Genoa, NY until 1973. Vi and Don were inseparable and happily married for nearly 65 years until Don’s death in 2018.
Vi graduated from Moravia High School in 1952 as class Valedictorian. She worked briefly as a secretary for New York State Electric and Gas, followed by 26 years as a secretary and assistant business manager for Moravia Central School District. She retired in 1992 as Business Executive from Trumansburg Central School District. Vi was a member of the New York Association of Educational Office Professionals, serving as the organization’s state president in 1980.
Vi and Don were members of Christ United Methodist Church of Locke & Moravia, active in many committees and study groups. Vi sang in the choir and was one of the first helpers with the annual Memorial Day Chicken BBQ. After retirement, she and Don helped establish the Friendship Christian Community Church in Sebastian, Florida.
Both were members of the Moravia Grange for over 74 years. Together, they enjoyed bowling and golf in mixed leagues. They especially enjoyed traveling and spent many years taking excursions in their camper. They were long-time members of the Moravia Go-C-Doers camping club. They visited almost all of the continental states as well as several Canadian provinces – for years accompanied by their beloved dog, Sally.
Vi was a member of the Moravia Philomath Society and Red Hat Groups in both Moravia and Sebastian. Her many hobbies included sewing, quilting, ceramics, flower arranging, reading, gardening, as well as hosting large dinners for family and friends.
Vi leaves behind her children – Bonnie (Donald) Steger, Roger (Karen) Phillips, James (Sharon) Phillips; her grandchildren – Gregory Steger, Eric Steger, Lindsey (Clayton) Ingrahm, Corey Steger, Cayleigh (Jacob) Brookshire, Addison (Andrea) Phillips, Angela (Darren) Gardner, Brayden Phillips, and Jordan Phillips; her great-grandchildren – Chanel, Sylis, Nova, Madison, Victoria, Matthew, Waylon, Everett, Joanna, and Jade. Also surviving are her sisters – Yvonne Rosecrans and Elaine Huschle; many nieces, nephews, and their children; many cousins in the US and Canada; her long-time nursing home roommate, Edythe Neff; devoted dog Didi and many beloved grand-dogs, cats, iguanas, ducks, and horses.
In addition to her husband Don, Vi was predeceased by her parents, Albert and Olive Rosecrans, many special aunts, uncles, and cousins, including aunt Ada Shaw and her husband Gerald, and cousin Gloria Jackson, as well as grandson-in-law, Matthew Adams, Jr.
Friends may call on the family, Saturday, June 20, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am. A Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00 am, followed by a reception lunch. All will take place at Christ United Methodist Church, 36 Church St., Moravia, NY. A private interment will be in Sand Hill Cemetery, Sempronius, NY, at the convenience of family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Christ United Methodist Church of Locke & Moravia, Four-Town First Aid Squad, or Friendship Christian Community Church in Sebastian, Florida. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Violet Vi Phillips, please visit our floral store.