Linda Anne Phillips

Linda Anne Phillips, 66, died unexpectedly on August 14, 2011. She was born on January 26, 1945 in Toledo, Ohio to Donald and Bessie Blow. She grew up in Birmingham, Michigan, graduated from Seaholm High School in 1963 and attended classes at Michigan State University where she met "the most handsome boy" she had ever seen. Linda married Carleton on January 23, 1965. After years spent in Hawaii, Kansas, New York, and Illinois, they moved to Lubbock in 1998. Linda liked to say she was a "domestic goddess" who took care of the house and her two children, Kate and John.

Linda and her daughter Kate founded Rainyday Kennel, which is devoted to Australian Shepherd dogs. Based on their accomplishments and their dogs' successes in championship breed events, herding, agility, and obedience trials, Rainyday was named as a "Hall of Fame" kennel by the Australian Shepherd Club of America and by the United States Australian Shepherd Association. Linda loved the companionship of her dogs, the incredible network of her family of "dog show friends" and the way she and Kate were able to spend so much time together. We can only hope that special dog friends Gussie, Wren and Merlot were waiting with warm noses to welcome her.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved sister, Judy Dixon.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Carleton J. Phillips; daughter, Kathrin N. Phillips-Ellis; son, John R. Phillips and wife Katie Phillips, all of Lubbock; sister, B.K. (Barbara) Back and husband James; brother, Don Blow and wife Mary; and grandchildren, Johnathon "Parker" Ellis, Austin M. Phillips, and Camille E. Phillips.

Linda was the glue in her family, the peacemaker, the optimist, and the sun everyone gravitated to and revolved around.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, August 22, 2011 at 3 p.m. at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Teacher Endowment Fund and to the scholarship program at All Saints Episcopal School at 3222 103rd St, Lubbock, TX 79423. Linda loved and supported the excellent education and devoted, caring teaching her grandson Parker receives at All Saints.

To view Linda's memorial page visit www.memorialdesigners.net.