Phala Florence (Phipps) Gilbert was received into the arms of Jesus, now thinking clearly and enjoying good health, on Sunday, November 2, 2014. She was born February 18, 1928 in Henryetta, Oklahoma in the home of her parents, Thomas and Bernice (Tipton) Phipps. Phala grew up in Henryetta and Wetumka, Oklahoma, moving to Bartlesville her junior year of high school. Upon graduation from Bartlesville College High she entered Bethany Peniel College (now Southern Nazarene University) in 1946. She was a freshman cheerleader, played basketball and sang in the Christmas chorus. When her mother suffered a stroke, Phala left college her sophomore year to provide care. She married Jack Gilbert in the summer between her sophomore and junior year. The joy of her life was her children, Rhonda (Spear) and Ron. She loved her two grandchildren, Kimberly (Spear) Patton and Megan (Spear) Peach very dearly. Her five great grandchildren, Riley, Olivia, Sophia, Owen and Jacob, brought great delight to her in her later years. Phala enjoyed and valued family and many friends. She was very active over the years in the life of Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene, serving as administrative secretary for seventeen years. She sang in the choir, worked in the pre-school, was a Sunday morning greeter and loved to entertain friends and family in her home. In the summer of 2008 she moved back to Oklahoma to live with her daughter and son-in-law. Phala will be remembered as an extraordinary woman of faith, a wonderful mother, grandmother, friend and a superb hostess. Many friends enjoyed meals and made wonderful memories in her home. Her warm, caring spirit and hospitality will be missed by her loved ones and all who knew her. She is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Spear and husband Dick of Yukon, Oklahoma; her son, Ron Gilbert and wife, Patricia of Overland Park, Kansas; one sister, Twylah Ellwanger of Bourbonnais, Illinois; several beloved nieces and nephews; two grandchildren, Kimberly Patton and husband, Robby and Megan Peach and husband, Danny; and five great grandchildren, Riley Patton, Olivia Patton, Sophia Patton, Owen Peach and Jacob Peach. Phala was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Thomas and Bernice Phipps; brothers, Wayne Phipps, Hershel Phipps and Conley Phipps, Sr. As Phala requested, her ashes will be placed at the grave of her parents in a private ceremony. Memorial Service Saturday, November 29, 2014 10:00 AM Mercer-Adams Chapel 3925 N. Asbury Bethany, OK 73008