Kristin Phillips

Kristin Phillips was an amazing mother and a friend who left this life too soon. Her strong will, confidence, and knowledge will forever live within the hearts, minds and souls of those who loved her. All that knew and loved Kristin will cherish the time that they shared with her.

The year in which Kristin began her life, world events were making swift history. Technology continued to make strides in many areas including the Soviet Spaceship Vanera 13's amazing color photographs of the planet Venus, the first U.S. artificial heart transplant, and Times Man of the Year ironically awarded to THE COMPUTER. The release of the movie E.T. had adult and children alike leaving the theaters with swollen eyes and sniffling noses wiped by wet tissues. Stereos throughout the nation blasted Michael Jackson's groundbreaking album, "Thriller," which accompanied a 14-minute music video fans adored, as it featured Jackson's unique dance moves paired with an unforgettable theme of horror.

Sunday night in the same year of 1982, trick-or-treaters pounded on doors with sweet-tooth anticipation of candy. Robert and Jeanette (Manetta) Phillips were preparing for a treat as well, but of a different kind directed to the love in their hearts. On this day, October 31, they welcomed Kristin into the world. It was by far the sweetest treat they could have imagined. She was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan and joined her big brother, Kyle, who was still hopeful for more candy on that day.

Before long, their little brother, Jared joined Kyle and Kristin. Together, these three completed the family of five. Kristin spent her childhood sharing adventures with her brothers, and she held a special place in her heart for Jared - she was a good big sister for sure. When she was not looking out for him, she kept busy dancing and riding. Kristin began ballet early in her life and continued it throughout high school. She also adored horseback riding, for the riding aspect and her love for animals.

Kristin attended Gull Lake High School where she excelled in everything she pursued. She was a member of the National Honor Society, and she worked hard to create a bright future. Sadly, tragic events struck at the young age of 15 when an automobile accident took her best friend's life. She had great difficulty grieving this loss, and the tragedy impacted Kristin's life forever afterward.

With the love and support from her friends and family, Kristin began to find hope in life again. With the memories she held close to her heart, she found focus on her future. After earning her high school diploma, Kristin headed to the University of Michigan. Setting her sights on becoming a pharmacist, she soon had a realization; her mother's nursing career influenced a new choice. She turned to the Nursing program and found success.

With a Nursing Degree from U of M, Kristin landed a job as a pediatric nurse. The fit was natural, as she loved the job, her patients, and their families. She had a knack for finding unique ways to bond with each family, which provided great comfort in their times of need.

Looking for a new adventure, Kristin decided to take on the challenge of becoming a traveling nurse. This path soon led her to the sunny state of California, which was great for her soul. She loved the California lifestyle: the warm weather, the constant sunshine, and the beautiful Pacific Coast. It was easy to imagine Kristin driving up and down the water's edge with a Starbuck's in hand.

In time, Kristin found a new type of love in this lifetime. Motherhood introduced Kristin to a devotion and adoration like no other. She welcomed her sweet baby girl into the world at the start of 2012 in January. She named her daughter Elle, and their bond created a sense of rightness in Kristin's life immediately. Elle was born to a mother whose heart burst with love. Kristin was an awesome mother and would do anything she could for her daughter.

A few years later, in 2014, difficulty entered Kristin's life with a back injury she endured at work. To ease her pain, she was prescribed medication. This medicine helped in her times of seeking pain relief. With the focus on maintaining her ability to be a good mother to Elle, the pain medication became a necessary aid. Her desperation to seek independence from these medications were never successful. And though her hopes to continue to fight for a strong presence in Elle's life were strong, the addiction was sadly stronger. Kristin's love for Elle was an almost undefeatable match for anything else in this world, and her love for Elle will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Kristin died unexpectedly due to a prolonged illness with addiction after 36 years in this lifetime. On June 21, 2019, she passed to a world free from pain and despair. Her grandparents Louis and Mary Manetta, Richard and Eleanor Phillips, Daina Rulis and her childhood friend Lindsey Cornelius greet her with warm hugs as Kristin entered heaven. She leaves behind a legacy filled with love for Elle.

She leaves behind her precious daughter Elle, her parents, Robert and Jeanette Phillips, and brothers Kyle (Cindy) and Jared (Kathleen). Other members of her loving family include her Uncles Dick (Mickie), Lou (Lisa), Rick (Carol) and Aunts Margaret (Charlie), Karen, and Cheryl (Dan), nieces Arianna and Abigail, nephews Matthew, Michael and Anthony and numerous cousins.

Visit with family and friends on Wednesday from 5-8pm at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive; Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 10 am at St. Augustine Cathedral, 542 West Michigan.