Helen Alice Stegall (Sally) Phelps, 86, passed away peacefully with family by her side on April 27, 2022 in Dublin, Ohio, after a courageous battle with cancer. Sally was born on June 9, 1935 in Atlanta, GA, the daughter of Hugh Frederick and Mildred (Pfister) Stegall. Her college sweetheart and husband of 58 years, George Emmett Phelps Jr. of Carthage, MO, preceded her in death, as well as her parents and brothers Hugh Frederick Stegall Jr. and Robert Stegall.
After graduating from Rice University with a B.A. in 1958, she taught school in Houston before moving to St. Louis, and then Dallas, with George and their growing family. In later years, she became a realtor and completed a Master of Library Science in 1983. One of her favorite jobs was helping students as the librarian at Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas. “Dr. Sally” was most proud to complete her PhD in Philosophy in 2000. She was a dedicated genealogist, whose excitement for sharing stories from the past just radiated around the room.
Sally loved her children dearly and gave them wonderful opportunities to learn, grow and develop through excellent education, activities, sports, travel and more. She gave sound advice without fail.
Sally was a dedicated Catholic, an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, a lifelong learner, deep thinker and intellectual, and reader of great literature. She loved to tell stories and debate politics for hours over coffee at the kitchen table, but she was also a great listener. She was a passionate cook and foodie, loved opera, cherished her NFL Sunday ticket, constantly searched for the “perfect purse” and always insisted on dressing to the nines.
Sally is survived by her children Kevin Phelps (Lisa Reed), Michael Phelps (John Ikeda), Kate Phelps (David) Fischer and Laura Phelps (Lee) Shaw; grandchildren Samantha Fischer (Kevin) Jackson, Emma Phelps (Scott) Phillips, John Henry Fischer, Nicholas Phelps, Olivia Shaw (Michael Leon), James Fischer, and Will Shaw; brother-in-law Pat (Carolyn) Phelps; nieces Carrie Phelps and Alison Phelps (Chris) Holman; and nephew Bill (Lora) Phelps.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 14th, 2022 from 9:00-10:00 am, with services following at 10:00 am at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. Interment will follow services in Park Cemetery in Carthage, MO, where she will be buried with her beloved husband, George. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rice University in Houston, TX and Capitol City Hospice Care in Columbus, OH in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be made through www.knellmortuary.com and schoedinger.com.
