Helen Ruth (Taylor) Phillips, a proud Jersey girl, passed away Feb. 23, 2026, at the age of 95 in Acworth, Georgia. Born June 19, 1930, in Red Bank, Helen was a longtime resident of New Jersey.
Helen had a passion for rollerskating, which is how she met her husband, John. She worked as a switchboard operator for Bell Telephone in the late 1940s and later dedicated over 25 years to Toys ’R’ Us at the Eatontown store. Helen enjoyed reading cookbooks and crocheting, often making blankets to share with her family.
She was the beloved mother of seven children: Pamela, Charles, Donna, Bonnie, Fred, Dwayne and Clifford. Helen raised her children to be good people, hard workers and responsible adults. She is survived by her children Pamela (Ed) DeMasi, Bonnie (John) Fitzpatrick and Charles Phillips, as well as seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, John Rex Phillips, and her children, Clifford Phillips, Donna Pesapane and Fred Phillips.
In honor of Helen’s wishes, no formal services will be held. Donations in her memory can be made to The Arc of Monmouth, 1158 Wayside Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07712.
The article originally appeared in the March 5 – 11, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
