Barbara Helen Phillips

Barbara H. Phillips, 85, of Mineral Wells, WV, left us peacefully on July 16, 2025. A beloved wife, mother and nana – she will always be remembered for her loving nature, big smile and her hugs! We would tell people, don’t get within a couple feet of Barbara or she will put a “Hug on you!” Oh, how we will miss those hugs!

Born on March 3, 1940 in Clearfield, PA, she was the daughter of the late William Roosevelt and Helen Eliza Gallaher Strong and sister to brothers Joe and Bill Strong and sister, Emogene Christianson. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Ira R. “Dick” Phillips of Mineral Wells, WV; daughter Stephanie Eliza (Troy) Coulter of Louisville, KY; two grandchildren, Eliza McKay Coulter and Tristan Phillips Coulter both of Louisville, KY; brother Bill Strong of Oil City, PA and nephew J.T. Strong of Nogales, AZ.

Barbara was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Parkersburg, WV, holding various offices in the church and serving many committees. A proud teacher and guidance counselor, she started her career in the Chagrin Falls, Ohio school system teaching typing and short-hand writing. In 1963, she moved to Parkersburg after her marriage and took a job at Parkersburg High School in the business department. In 1967, when Parkersburg South High School opened, she transferred to PSHS as head of the business department. After receiving her master’s degree in guidance counseling, she took a position in the guidance department and remained there until her retirement in 1997.

She was a graduate of Redbank Valley High School in New Bethlehem, PA. and then went on to attain her B.S. Degree in Education from Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA and was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. Finally, she completed her Master’s Degree in Guidance Counseling at Ohio University. Of her professional working years, Barbara always said she enjoyed her classroom teaching years best of all; she loved her students.

The Delta Kappa Gamma Teachers Honorary, selected Barbara for membership in 1968, recognizing her teaching skills and love of education. Barbara was an active and very proud member of P.E.O. Chapter G. of Parkersburg, a sisterhood devoted to charity toward all, emphasizing the qualities of Faith, Love, Purity, Justice and Truth. She was also a member of the Parkersburg Junior League.

Volunteering was an important part of her life. She loved her work with the Friends of Blennerhassett and served the organization for a number of years as President. She logged many volunteer hours as a docent on Blennerhassett Island giving tours and serving the island visitors.

Horses and ponies were a big part of her life, getting her first pony at a very young age, which she kept in the family garage. On one occasion she took the pony, “Topsy”, in the house where he promptly saw himself in the hall mirror and “pooped” on the spot! Needless to say, it was Topsy’s last visit to the house. Many ponies and horses became part of our family as she and Stephanie competed in the hunter/jumper circuit for many years. Her farm, “High Knoll”, in Mineral Wells, WV was her “heaven on earth” where she raised a menagerie of dogs, cats, bunnies, horses, geese and one black angus cow “Blackie” over the years.

The family would like to thank Barbara’s caregiver, Linda Stanley, Hospice nurse – Jerri Rees, Hospice Aid, Liza Elias, and Nurse Practitioner, Robyn Betts, for their tremendous care and love they gave Barbara.

Visitation will be on Monday, July 21 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Funeral service will be on Tuesday, July 22, at 11 a.m. at the Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg with Rev. Dr. Alicia Randolph Rapking officiating.

Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Mineral Wells, WV.

Donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to First United Methodist Church of Parkersburg.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.LeavittFuneralHome.com.