Phyllis M. Tipsword, age 88 of Salem, passed away on June 29, 2019 at her daughter’s home. She was born on March 24, 1931 in Bement, Illinois, daughter of Ray and Thelma (Spellbring) Fogerson. She married Kenneth Tipsword on June 7, 1948 in Alma, IL and he preceded her in death in April of 1997. She is survived by her three children, Angela Theobald and husband Rick of Salem, Gordon Tipsword of Mississippi, and Kendra Mahr and husband Scott of Mississippi; 7 grandchildren, Ragan Clark and husband Derek, Adrianne Allen and husband Barak, Brianna Hamm and husband Nathan, Sydney Tipsword, Drew Mahr, Jamie Mahr and Destiny Theobald; 7 Great grandchildren, Jaylin, Lillian, Skylar, Adam, Kailey and Gavyn; sister, Diane Pierce; brother, Dean Fogerson. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two sisters, 7 brothers, and one great grandson. She worked at Illinois Bell in California while going to nursing school. She then returned to Illinois in 1952 and worked as an LPN at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur where she worked in labor and delivery. She later worked in nursing homes and then in, home care nursing until the age of 82. She loved quilting, fishing, camping, square dancing, gardening and her Shih-tuz’s Freeway and Buddy. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was of the Christian Faith. Services for Phyllis Tipsword will be held at 11:00am on Friday July 5, 2019 at the Grace Church of the Nazarene in Salem with Mark Copley officiating. There will be a visitation from 10:30 until the time of service. Burial will be in the Bement Cemetery, at a later date. Memorial donations can be made the family and can be left at Rogers- Atkins Funeral Home who is assisting the family with arrangements.