Betty J. Phillips

Betty Jane Phillips, of Interlaken, passed away at Cayuga Medical Center on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at the age of 83.

Born on January 3, 1929 in Philadelphia, Betty was the daughter of the late Clarence and June (Coleman) Phillips. She was the co-owner of Luxor Beauty Salon in Ithaca prior to opening her own beauty shop in Interlaken. Betty obtained her LPN Degree through BOCES. She continued her education at Fingerlakes Community College and graduated with her RN Degree. Following graduation, she provided nursing care at Tompkins Community Hospital for several years. In 1985, she retired from Willard Psychiatric Center after 15 years of devoted service to her patients.

In retirement, Betty had more time to be active with her passions for woodworking and refinishing, her gardens and bird watching. She enjoyed the company of her beloved pets (Pete, Sade and Buffy were especially close to her heart). She cherished the relationships with her neighbors, friends and church community, but her most cherished memories were those she made with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Phillips, and her former husband, Leon Houghtalen. She is survived by two children, Dr. Rory (Debora) Houghtalen of Penfield and Jodi (Mark) Humulock of Jacksonville; two grandchildren, Ryan Houghtalen and Nikki Humulock; a brother, James Phillips; several special neighbors and friends; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will be present to receive friends and family from 2:30 to 3:30pm on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at the Calvary Baptist Church, 5 Bradley Street, Trumansburg. Funeral Services will begin at 3:30pm at the church with the Rev. Tim Hamilton officiating.

The family asks those who wish to make a contribution in Betty's memory to kindly consider Calvary Baptist, PO Box 413, Trumansburg, NY 14886 or Hospicare, 172 E. King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.