Marjorie Ellen Ross Phillips,80 of the Ross Farm of North Bethlehem Township passed away Friday, December 9 at Standish's Assisted Living. Even in her last journey she shared her gift of teaching others how to live. Born to Frank L. Ross Jr. and Doris Marshall Ross Thomas in Eighty Four on June 28, 1931, she was raised at the farm founded by her grandfather in 1910. She would later inherit and return to that farm and achieve its listing on the National Register of Historic Places, its listing and recognition by Washington County History and Landmarks, and its recognition by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a PA Century Farm. Following graduation from Trinity High School, she completed nursing studies at the Washington Hospital School of Nursing. She later earned her Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Pittsburgh and Masters degrees from both the University of Pennsylvania and Duquesne University. She also completed all but her dissertation for an EdD in Nursing Education at West Virginia University before her retirement in 1995. She was married to the late Edward H. Phillips, who preceded her in death on August 22, 2011, 6 days before their 58th wedding Anniversary. During that time Mrs. Phillips taught generations of young women, and in the later years young men also, at the Washington Hospital School of Nursing, West Liberty State College, Waynesburg University and West Virginia University. Many of her former students stayed in touch with her and describe her as the role model who advocated the best care for each patient, and that they be the best person that they could be. She influenced thousands of young women, both in the nursing profession and outside of it, inspiring them to be strong, brave, intelligent, ethical and kind. Throughout her life, she continued her career of caring for others by serving as a patient advocate for many friends and neighbors, helping them to understand and navigate the realm of illnesses and treatments and assisting them in the decision-making process of the path to health that was right for them. Prior to her retirement from education, Mrs. Phillips and her husband moved back to the Ross Farm where she built a flock of Cheviot sheep and became active in the Sheep and Wool Growers Association, joined the Farm Bureau and began a second career of caring for animals and local history. Once again she influenced young women and showed them by example the responsibility of good stewardship in caring for the land and God's creatures. Mrs. Phillips was an active supporter of Washington County History and Landmarks, as well as many other local civic organizations and professional associations. She was a member of First United Methodist Church for many years and after moving to the Ross Farm attended Davidson United Methodist Church. Mrs. Phillips leaves her only daughter, Amy Ross Manko and husband Scott of Washington and her only grandchild, Drew Edward Ross Manko. She also leaves three nieces Carol Sue Haught, Sharon Stewart, Cathy Cox and one nephew Bruce McCready, several cousins and many, many friends. Family and friends will be received Monday from 2-5 and 6-9p.m. in the Nichol Funeral Home 1873 East Maiden Street Washington Pa 15301 where funeral services will be held on Tuesday December 13, 2011 at 11:00a.m. with Pastor Keith Simmons officiating. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery. Additional information and guestbook may be viewed at www.nicholfuneralhome.com