Eleanor Christine Phillips

1936-2026

COLUMBIANA – Eleanor Christine Phillips, 90, passed away Saturday morning, Feb. 28, 2026.

She was born in a log cabin on Jan. 25, 1936, in McConnelsville, Ohio by the hands of her grandmother, Anna (Mike) Ponchak. She was the daughter of William Howard and Anna (Ponchak) Moore. Eleanor graduated from Poland Seminary High School in 1954 and married Burton Hugh Phillips on July 22, 1961. In addition to being a devoted homemaker, she was employed by Mahoning National Bank and Sears, retiring after 25+ years of service.

She, along with her loving husband and children, spent many eventful years traveling with the Holiday Rambler Western Reserve Chapter 14 club. They enjoyed countless Holiday Rambler rallies across many different states, making lifelong friends along the way and visiting some truly remarkable places — Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, Pikes Peak, Red Rocks Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Blackwater Falls, just to name a few. Some of her happiest moments were on the water, during our camping trips. Whether it was Lake Milton, Berlin, or Mosquito Lake, those places became part of our story.

Of all their adventures, the times they spent out West held a special place in her heart. She felt her best there — peaceful, inspired, and at home — and she always hoped that one day she might live there.

When she was asked how she stayed married for so long, she said it wasn’t always easy or filled with fairy tales. There were plenty of ups and downs, but they faced them together. Marriage was never something she took lightly — the vows they made were meant to last a lifetime, not to be set aside when life became difficult.

Eleanor was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star of Ohio, Sunrise Chapter in Girard, where she served twice as Worthy Matron. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and loved them more than words can say, she was a very proud grandma. She loved spending time with her grand puppies; they always made her happy. She also enjoyed following the Cleveland Indians (lol not the Guardians), NASCAR, reading, shopping, and caring for her dogs. A talented craftswoman, she enjoyed crocheting, cross-stitching, ceramics, gardening, people watching, canning, and decorating.

She was a fun-loving, spicy, and caring soul, who told you the truth even when it hurt. She never beat around the bush, and you always knew where you stood with her. She enjoyed spirited discussions (arguing) on any of her life’s passions, quiet mornings and always appreciated a good cup of coffee. She taught her children the fulfillment of service to others; the importance of paying it forward; the power of independence; that life is full of lessons; and to keep moving forward.

She is survived by her loving husband, Hugh; two daughters, Patti Finch of New Waterford and Sandy (James) Mattern of Austintown; and four grandchildren, David Mattern of Washington D.C., Bethany Mattern (fiance Edwin Stewart) of Olmstead Falls, Nicholas Finch of Waterford, Pa., Donna Finch of New Waterford; a sister, Donna Bone of Austintown, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, James K. Phillips; brothers Dana (Carolyn), Charles (Carol), and Ronnie Moore; son-in-law Kevin Finch; and brother-in-law Ray Bone. She was also preceded in death by their family dogs Cinders, Molly, Sophie, Trudy, Cricket, Shadow (the mysterious cat) and recently their beloved Trixie.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 4 p.m. at Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home, 154 S. Elm St., Columbiana, where friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. prior to the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in Columbiana.

Family and friends may visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to sign the guestbook or share condolences.

3/4/26