Shirley Philp

Shirley Mae Philp, age 90, of Swift Current (formerly of Waldeck), Saskatchewan, passed away on March 16, 2023 at Clover House.  Shirley was born on June 9, 1932, the third child of Nellie and Wilson Chelew.  She spent her early years on the farm south of Swift Current, and began her schooling at Shaner School.  In April of 1941 the family moved to Swift Current, where she continued her schooling at Elmwood, and completed it at SCCI.  Shirley worked as a nurse's aide at the Union Hospital until January 1950, when she entered formal nurse's training program in Brandon General Hospital.  In February, 1953, Shirley returned to Swift Current and nursed until her marriage to Alan Philp on June 19, 1954.  The couple took up residence on the farm southeast of Waldeck.  They remained there until 2000 when they purchased a house and moved into Waldeck.  Shirley moved into Pioneer Manor in Swift Current in 2015, and then with declining health, moved to Willows Terrace in Riverview Estates in 2022.  Illness took her to hospital and then to Clover House for her final weeks of life.  We would like to thank the staff of Riverview and Clover House for the kindness and care Mom received.  Four children were born into the family - Wendy Lee in 1955, Stephen Ross in 1957, Ila Jean in 1961, and Blair Alan in 1965.  Shirley and Alan were active in the children's projects, and both served on the United Church Board, as well as the Waldeck School Board.  Shirley was the first lady on that board, and was the secretary for several years.  They also belonged to the Waldeck Square Dance Club for many years, and in later years were busy with the Waldeck Golden Agers.  In the spring of 1969, Shirley took a nurse's refresher course and returned to nursing.  It was during this time that she was diagnosed with Lupus, which continued to be a problem.  Shirley was a Life Elder of First United Church, a Life Member of UCW, Life Member of the Rebekah Lodge and Past Deputy President.  She also supported the Lupus Association.  She was known as the "pie lady" as she volunteered in the Tea Room at Doc's Town for 19 years.  She was always very proud of the grandchildren and followed their activities.  Mom loved nothing more than to spend her “spare” time sewing and knitting for friends and family, winning numerous red ribbons at fairs over the years.  In recent years she took pride and remained interested in the great grandkids, always asking what the "little people" were doing.  Shirley was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Alan, in 2008, and an infant granddaughter, Skylar Jean Gibson in 1989.  She was also predeceased by her parents, Nellie and Wilson Chelew; in-laws Martha and Bob Philp; brother Ross and wife Myrtle Chelew; sister Velma and brother-in-law Jim Philp; sister Jean Stewardson and sister Joan; brothers-in-law Don Philp and Ron Philp, brother-in-law John (Jack) and wife Scottie Philp; brother-in-law Ken Diemert; nephews Brock Diemert, Tim Philp, Bryan Philp and Terry Philp;  niece Bobby Gutwin.  Surviving are her children - Wendy (David) Gibson, Stephen (Lana) Philp, Ila (Darwyn) Wilms, and Blair (Tracy) Philp; grandchildren - Leiloni and Murray Courts, Kaitlin Gibson, Kirralee Gibson; Barkley Busch, Trevor Busch, Loren Busch and Bernard Hinz; Amy and Mark Reiter, Robyn and Joe Logan, Briana and Tyler Sherwick; great-grandsons - Chad Logan, Ben Reiter, Blake Reiter, Connor Sherwick, Rowan Hinz; and great-granddaughters Anniston Logan and Raea Sherwick.  Also her sister-in-law Hazel Philp and Rita Philp, brother-in-law Robert Stewardson (Kaye) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  The funeral service took place on Friday, March 24, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. from the First United Church with Rev. Annette Taylor officiating.  Life Tribute was given by her daughter Ila Wilms, and bagpipes played by Neil McCrie.  Ushers were Robert Wells and Maurice Wells.  Pallbearers were granddaughters Loni Courts, Kaitlin Gibson, Kirra Gibson, Amy Reiter, Robyn Logan, Briana Sherwick, and Loren Busch.  Interment service was held at Memory Gardens Cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to Warren's Funeral Home, for further information please call 1-306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606, or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall.
 

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