Andrea M. VanSijen-Phillips, 72, of Independence, MO, died Thursday, February 3, 2011, at Centerpoint Hospital, Independence. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 7, 2011, at Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at a later date at Mound Grove Cemetery. Andrea was born September 17, 1938 in Sukabumi, Java, Indonesia. She was the only child of Folkert VanSijen and Jenny Anne Kreulen VanSyen. She was a prisoner of war as a child in Indonesia and lived for three years in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Andrea was a graduate of West High School, Salt Lake City, Utah. She graduated with honors from The Technical Institute of Kansas City. She was naturalized as a U.S. citizen on her birthday in 1965. She retired from Xerox Corporation as a Senior Technical Representative in 2003. She was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and sang for many years with the RLDS Messiah Choir. Andrea was an extremely talented and creative person. She won many awards for her short stories and poetry, paintings, drawings and leather art. She created many original designs and patterns in counted cross-stitch and crocheting. She loved to play the piano and enjoyed classical music. Andrea was married to Ronald Dee Phillips on December 27, 1959, in Salt Lake City. They were married for 26 years. She was preceded in death by her father Folkert VanSijen, and a grandson Aaron Jerome Hernandez. Survivors include her mother Jenny Anne Kreulen VanSijen, her six children: Kathryn Hernandez, St. Joseph, MO, Jenyfer Simmerman, Clinton, MO, Ronald Phillips, Independence, MO, Mitchell Phillips, Harrisonville, MO, Nancy Wallace, Independence, MO, and Jonathan R.A. Phillips, Richmond, MO, 19 grand children and six great- grandchildren. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com. (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel, 816-252-7900.) Carson Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington, Independence, MO 64052, 816-252-7900
Published in Kansas City Star on February 5, 2011