Obituary for Aspen Alexis-Nicole Phillips
Aspen was given to us on February 25, 1997, in Wichita, KS. She spent the first seventy-two days of her life in the NICU then was released to her home in Garden City, KS.
God never promised a life of ease, but He said it would be worth it. And it was. Aspen taught all who knew her about love, courage, patience, and how to live and enjoy life. She taught others how to listen with their hearts and not just with their ears.
Aspen loved her family with everything she had. Her first loves were her mother, Mandy Fine Phillips, her grandmother Sandy Fine (“Oma”) and her godmother Sandra Wiederstein (“Budda”). At the age of twelve, she found the father of her dreams, William (Bill) Phillips. Then in 2019 she gained a little brother, James.
Aspen and her dad were unstoppable. They knew no limits. She could be found swimming, riding through mudpuddles in her wheelchair when visiting the “Pumpkin Patch” or having the opportunity to skydive. Her dad even devised a way for her to ride on his motorcycle. She “lived her life out loud” and her family made sure she had fun doing it.
Aspen enjoyed listening to music, including her school’s band, eating snacks, or being outside, especially if the activities were fast and loud.
Aspen started school just before the age of three. She attended Florence Wilson Elementary, Victor Ornelas Elementary, Charles Stones Intermediate Center and the Garden City High School before graduating in 2018. She loved attending school, and for her last ten years in school, was always greeted by her special friend, Miss Deb (Amos). Together, Aspen and Miss Deb explored the schools, ate lunches, went on bus rides, played games, sang, went on field trips around town and never stopped learning. She was a great example of “living life to the fullest.” When she wasn’t in school, Anna Wiebe and Linda Rosales would be seen helping her anyway possible and simply just cherishing their time with her.
Aspen was a part of the Karis, Inc. community since it’s opening in 2004, due to her “Budda”. Once she graduated from High School, she began to participate in Day Service activities, but the individuals there already knew her. Any staff that worked with Aspen loved to be with her and loved her smile and giggles.
Aspen lost her “Budda” Sandra Wiederstein in 2019. Her father, Bill Phillips, passed away in 2020. Charles Robert Phillips, grandfather of Colby, KS also preceded her in death.
She is survived by her mother, Mandy; her younger brother, James; grandmothers Sandy Fine, Bessie Tillis, and Leona Wiederstein all of Garden City; grandmother Rose Phillips of Colby, KS and numerous other extended family.
Aspen was called home to be with God and those who went before her on Sunday, March 27, 2022, in her home. A Celebration of Life service will be held at First Assembly of God Church, Garden City on Saturday, April 9 at 10:00am, followed by an interment at Valley View Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Karis, Inc or New Life Community Church (Playground Project), both in care of Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City. She continues to impact those that loved her with memories of her “Living Life Out Loud”.
God never promised a life of ease, but He said it would be worth it. And it was. Aspen taught all who knew her about love, courage, patience, and how to live and enjoy life. She taught others how to listen with their hearts and not just with their ears.
Aspen loved her family with everything she had. Her first loves were her mother, Mandy Fine Phillips, her grandmother Sandy Fine (“Oma”) and her godmother Sandra Wiederstein (“Budda”). At the age of twelve, she found the father of her dreams, William (Bill) Phillips. Then in 2019 she gained a little brother, James.
Aspen and her dad were unstoppable. They knew no limits. She could be found swimming, riding through mudpuddles in her wheelchair when visiting the “Pumpkin Patch” or having the opportunity to skydive. Her dad even devised a way for her to ride on his motorcycle. She “lived her life out loud” and her family made sure she had fun doing it.
Aspen enjoyed listening to music, including her school’s band, eating snacks, or being outside, especially if the activities were fast and loud.
Aspen started school just before the age of three. She attended Florence Wilson Elementary, Victor Ornelas Elementary, Charles Stones Intermediate Center and the Garden City High School before graduating in 2018. She loved attending school, and for her last ten years in school, was always greeted by her special friend, Miss Deb (Amos). Together, Aspen and Miss Deb explored the schools, ate lunches, went on bus rides, played games, sang, went on field trips around town and never stopped learning. She was a great example of “living life to the fullest.” When she wasn’t in school, Anna Wiebe and Linda Rosales would be seen helping her anyway possible and simply just cherishing their time with her.
Aspen was a part of the Karis, Inc. community since it’s opening in 2004, due to her “Budda”. Once she graduated from High School, she began to participate in Day Service activities, but the individuals there already knew her. Any staff that worked with Aspen loved to be with her and loved her smile and giggles.
Aspen lost her “Budda” Sandra Wiederstein in 2019. Her father, Bill Phillips, passed away in 2020. Charles Robert Phillips, grandfather of Colby, KS also preceded her in death.
She is survived by her mother, Mandy; her younger brother, James; grandmothers Sandy Fine, Bessie Tillis, and Leona Wiederstein all of Garden City; grandmother Rose Phillips of Colby, KS and numerous other extended family.
Aspen was called home to be with God and those who went before her on Sunday, March 27, 2022, in her home. A Celebration of Life service will be held at First Assembly of God Church, Garden City on Saturday, April 9 at 10:00am, followed by an interment at Valley View Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Karis, Inc or New Life Community Church (Playground Project), both in care of Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City. She continues to impact those that loved her with memories of her “Living Life Out Loud”.