Mardie F. Phillips, age 82 of Porter, passed away Thursday, November 27, 2008 in Valparaiso. 

She was born October 24, 1926 in Walker County, Ala. to Pious and Ludie (Dean) Ballenger, both of whom preceded her in death. 

On January 18, 1941 in Walker County, Ala. Mardie married George Phillips, who preceded her in death on February 5, 2001. 

She is survived by her sons, Larry Phillips of Empire, Ala. and Randy (Debbie) Phillips of Chesterton; daughters, Georgia (Jerry) Soliday of Wanatah, Susan Marton of Empire, Ala. and Virginia Chairo of Chesterton; brothers, James F. Ballenger and Lecil Ballenger, both of Walker County, Ala.; sisters, Joy Phillips of Summiton, Ala., Doris Butler of Atlanta, Ga., and Hazel (Charlie) Stevens of Quintown, Ala.; son in law, Sam Arnold; 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. 

She was also preceded in death by sons, Gayle and Roger Phillips; daughter, Dianne Arnold; brothers, Delaney Ballenger and Freeman Ballenger; sister, Syble Ballenger; and grandchildren, Joshua Gayle Phillips, Rachael Phillips and Joshua Charles Phillips. 

Mardie was an area resident since 1967, coming from Walker County, Ala. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Valparaiso. She was a member of the Eastern Star, the Eagles in Valparaiso, and the Women of the Moose Lodge in Chesterton. Mardie loved her family and they were her life. 

Funeral services, Rev. Michael Porter officiating, will be held on Monday, December 1, at 10 a.m. at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton, officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 30, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the VNA Hospice of Porter County, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383.  www.EE-FH.com

 Posted 11/28/2008