Katherine "Katie" Lynne Phillips

Katie Phillips, of Topeka, KS, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026. She went quietly and peacefully in her sleep, to be forever with the Lord.

Katherine Lynne Phillips was born on February 26, 1988, in Coldwater, Michigan, the daughter of Ray Allen Phillips and Cheri Marie Phillips (now Smith), twin to her sister Christina. Katie spent her early education years at TARC and at the Capper Foundation, in Topeka. She spent the first three years of her life in North Adams, MI, and the remainder of her life in Holton and Topeka, KS. Katie enjoyed her simple life, being loved greatly by all her family. Though her life from birth was complicated by a rare disease and many secondary challenges, she proved to be an incredible fighter for almost four decades. During that time, she enjoyed simple pleasures, such as hot air balloon rallies and going to car shows, and being around people in the open air. Katie loved balloons that were blown up and let go wildly, as well as bubbles and fireworks. She taught her family what it means to love others as you love yourself, and even more so. She made us better. She was a gift and a treasure to those of us who loved her, and she has left an indelible mark on our hearts. 

To celebrate her life and to mourn her passing from this world, Katie leaves behind her parents and step-parents: Ray & Brenda Phillips and Cheri & Randy Smith, all of Topeka, KS; her sisters and their families: Christina Betancourt & her husband Jonathan (of Mansfield, MO); Emily Heil & her husband Dan (of Hollister, ID); as well as her 12 nephews and nieces; her grandparents Earl D. & Nita Tibbits (of Topeka); her uncles and aunts: Chris Trundle & Joy Digamon (Topeka), Bobbi & Brad Mangas (Topeka), Dennis & Christine Phillips (Jerome, MI), Darryl Phillips (Jerome, MI); as well as several cousins.

Katie was preceded in death by her grandparents, David & Bonnie Phillips (Jerome, MI); her great grandparents, Don & Betty Phillips (Jerome, MI), Harold & Marshia Tibbits (Topeka, KS); as well as her aunt Virgina Trundle (Colby, KS). 

The service to celebrate Katie’s life and her home-going will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home at 800 SW 6th Ave, Topeka, KS. There will be a visitation time from 6pm-8pm on Wednesday, March 18, also at Brennan-Mathena. Katie will then be laid to rest at Rochester Cemetery in Topeka. 

Memorial contributions may be made, in lieu of flowers, to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, and will go toward funeral expenses.