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Barbara Denise Phillips, age 70, of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, November 14, 2025, in Locust Grove. Barbara was born on October 19, 1955, in Cushing, Oklahoma, to Dale and Letha Irene (Williams) Groom. She grew up in California and later attended high school in Orange County. In 1980, she relocated to Oklahoma, where she became a longtime resident of Mayes County.
On August 29, 1996, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Barbara was united in marriage to Vernon Phillips. Together, they shared over 29 wonderful years of love, partnership, and family.
A dedicated and compassionate caregiver, Barbara worked as an LPN for more than 42 years. She served at the Claremore VA Center for 19 years, retiring at age 62. Throughout her career, she also worked at hospitals in Pryor and Wagoner and spent time in the home health field, touching countless lives with her gentle nature and commitment to others.
Barbara’s faith was the foundation of her life. Saved at a young age and baptized at the family creek in Rose, Oklahoma, she never hesitated to share her love for Jesus. She attended Cornerstone Outreach Church for several years and more recently worshiped at New Life Baptist Church in Locust Grove. She encouraged everyone around her and always pointed others toward God. Barbara loved to sing, and her gentle, soothing voice brought comfort to many.
Outside of work and church, Barbara enjoyed a variety of simple and joyful pleasures. She loved needle-point, caring for her chickens, spending time with her dog Bruno, and tending to her garden—especially her large tomato plants. She cherished the outdoors and nature, and one of her favorite pastimes was jumping in the creek. Traveling brought her great joy, especially visiting New Mexico, Texas, Las Vegas, and spending time with her grandchildren. Her grandkids looked forward to summers with her, staying several weeks at a time and making memories they will treasure forever.
Barbara will be remembered for her warm and genuine heart. She was one of the nicest people you could ever meet—kind, funny, honest, and deeply caring. She never met a stranger and always took time to remember the details that mattered: names, stories, and even birthdays of those she loved. She was a steady source of love and support for her family and friends, and her absence leaves a tremendous void in the lives of all who knew her.
Barbara is survived by: Her husband: Vernon Phillips of their Iron Post home; 2 children: Joseph Yoder of Salina, Oklahoma, and Carrie Wood and husband James of San Angelo, Texas; 1 daughter-in-law: Kari Yoder of Pryor, Oklahoma; 8 grandchildren: Shaun Trout and wife Jessica of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Britni Yoder of San Angelo, Texas, Hattie Foreman and husband Zach of Pryor, Oklahoma, Chelsea Wood of San Angelo, Texas, Savannah Wood of San Angelo, Texas, Kyler Yoder of Pryor, Oklahoma, Hayden Yoder of Pryor, Oklahoma, Alycia Waits and husband Rowdy of Claremore, Oklahoma; 13 great grandchildren and 2 more on the way; 1 cousin that she considered as a brother: Jimmie James of Drumright, Oklahoma; Numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. Barbara was preceded in death by: her parents; and 1 son: Keith Yoder.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Locust Grove Funeral Home Chapel in Locust Grove, Oklahoma, with Pastor Scott Goodman officiating. Services have been entrusted to Locust Grove Funeral Home.
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