Una Kathrean "Kat" Gillihan Phipps

Of Melbourne, Arkansas

Una Kathrean "Kat" Gillihan Phipps, daughter of the late Simon Paul Gillihan and Verla Mae Smith Gillihan, was born December 7, 1939 in Twin Creek, Arkansas. She departed this life December 22, 2020 in Batesville, Arkansas at the age of 81 years and 15 days. She was a lifelong resident of Izard County. She was united in marriage to Tom Phipps December 23, 1960 and together they raised four children. Kathrean spent her life as a loving daughter, sister, wife, aunt, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, homemaker and friend. Most of her working years were spent at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Factory in Melbourne. She retired after 23 years of employment. She was of the Church of Christ faith and a member of Twin Creek Church of Christ. She also attended Melbourne Church of Christ.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years: Tom Phipps of the home; two sons and two daughters-in-law: Mike and Angie Phipps of Violet Hill and Sonny and Marla Phipps of Truman; two daughters and two sons-in-law: LaDonna and Michael Brock of Hot Springs and Linda and Allen Shaver of Conway; one brother: Boyce Gillihan of Melbourne; one sister: Geneva Blankenship of Melbourne; nine grandchildren: Katie Phipps, Cody Phipps, Ethan Phipps, Justin McCord, Cassandra McCord, Renee Clemente`, Darcy Wilson, Jeremy Shaver, Colten Shaver; eight great grandchildren: Sophie Shaver, Lucy Shaver, Maggie Shaver, Alivia McCord, Harper McCord, A. J. Clemente`, Cecilia Wilson, Xavier Wilson and a host of other relatives and many good friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; one grandson: Tommy Phipps and four brothers: Shelby Gillihan, Clifton Gillihan, George Gillihan and Junior Gillihan.

Funeral service for family and close friends will be Saturday, December 26 at 10:00 a.m. at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne with Tim Wooldridge officiating. Burial will be at Old Philadelphia Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to: Arkansas Children's Hospital, 1 Children's Way, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202.

Pallbearers: Rick Haney, Randy Haney, Steve Phipps, Kelly Phipps, Tony Cooper and Dean Felton.