Emogene Phillips

Emogene Lombard-Phillips, 88, formerly of Greenwood, Wis., died Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2015, in Chetek.

She was born to Stella and Ray Tryggestad Nov. 22, 1927. After being raised on a small farm, she graduated from Viroqua High School, and at age 19 she was united in marriage to Cecil C. Lombard on May 14, 1946. They lived for a short time in Prarie Du Chein, and Monticello, before moving to Greenwood, where they lived for many years. After their divorce in 1970, she moved to Mesa, Ariz. She married Albert Phillips and they resided in Arizona, until returning to Wisconsin, where she resided until her death.

She is preceded in death by a brother, John; her parents; three brothers, Gerald, Leyton and Rayness. She was also preceded by one son, Charles Eugene Lombard.

She is survived by one daughter, Jana Kay (Jerrold) Schneider of Rice Lake; and sons, Richard Lombard of Key Largo, Fla., Randy (Monica) Lombard of Chippewa Falls, and John (Armeda) Lombard of Key Largo.

Emogene Lombard -Phillips enjoyed talking about life in Greenwood. She loved the fact that in a small town you could raise free-range children without worry. She was a talented artist who took pride in her poetry and in the portraits she painted of her children. She was an excellent Scrabble player, held deep political convictions and despite not having a post-secondary degree, possessed impressive verbal skills. She loved a good conversation and a lively debate, usually about politics.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring, after which graveside services will be held at Bad Axe Church, near Viroqua. Please view and sign the online guestbook at www.burnhamours.com.