Barbara Lynn Phillips

Barbara Lynn Phillips, 69, of Shakopee, passed away on December 9, 2024.

 A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Ballard Sunder Funeral Homes in Shakopee (833 Marschall Rd.) at 5pm. There will be a Time of Gathering prior to the Celebration from 3-5pm. 

Barbara Lynn Phillips was born on December 27, 1954, to Peter Louis Crom and Sylvia Darlene Crom (Griffen) in Watertown, South Dakota. She was the third child in a family of eight, with two brothers and five sisters. Barbara grew up in Northern Iowa and Southern Minnesota and was known for her love of cosmetology. In the 1970s, she would make her own bell-bottom jeans, and her nails, hair, and skin were always flawless. This beautiful and kindhearted woman enjoyed many genres of music, particularly country and pop. Barbara loved attending concerts and always had music playing in her home.

Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, parents, grandparents, sisters, and brothers were the center of her universe. Relationships were important to her; she felt fulfilled when they were strong and grieved when they were not.

Barbara worked as a production supervisor for a medical device manufacturer, but her true passion was caring for children. She dedicated two decades to childcare, enjoying the connections she made with families. She loved how the families she cared for would stay in touch and include her and her husband in their children's birthdays, holidays, and graduations. On several occasions, children would stop by their home in Shakopee, Minnesota, just to say hello.

Barbara married Raymond Joseph Phillips on July 19, 1972, in Watertown, South Dakota. After meeting on a blind date, they quickly developed a strong connection and were known for their mutual affection and respect. Barbara treated Raymond with deep love, and her children cannot recall a time when she raised her voice to him. Her love for their dad was a priceless gift, and Raymond affectionately called her "Darling" and "Barbie." 

Together, Barbara and Raymond enjoyed attending concerts, watching comedies, and indulging in feel-good shows. They were rumored to have watched all 17+ seasons of “Heartland” at least twenty-five times. Eating healthily was a passion of hers, while reading “People” magazine served as her guilty pleasure. She found peace in praying for her family and enjoyed watching her grandson's sermons. Barbara was a source of encouragement for her children, especially during her regular phone calls with her daughter Jennifer. She often acted as a mediator during heated political discussions between her husband and son, Shawn.

She embodied compassion, kindness, strength and resilience. Barbara never complained about her work or the sacrifices she made for her family. She was the greatest cheerleader for the underdog and instilled in her children the values that "Nobody likes a bully" and "If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all."

Barbara suffered for nearly two decades with Parkinson's Disease. After enduring complications from this debilitating illness, she peacefully passed away in her home with her loving husband by her side. Barbara lovingly kissed Raymond four times before she took her last breath.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Raymond; daughter: Jennifer (Karl) Berger; son, Shawn Phillips ; grandchildren, Joshua (Cate), Nathan (Taylor), Jeffery (Andrew), Caitlyn, Lily (Alex), Monica (Colton), Emily, Grace, & Eric; great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Daniel, Samuel, Zion, Faith & Abigail; brothers, Allen (Cindy) Crom & Mark (Linda) Crom; sisters, Sandy Newman, Linda Sams, Laurie (Bob) Buege, Lisa Crom, & Diana (Kent Klein) Crom. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Sylvia Crom.