CANASTOTA . . .

Lelah M. Phillips, 76, of 111 Souter Street, Canastota, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Oneida Healthcare.

She was born on October 3, 1946, in Canastota, the daughter of the late Russell and Jennie (Snyder) DeKing.

Lelah spent her early years in Cazenovia, attending the Cazenovia schools. She has lived in Canastota most of her life.

She enjoyed collecting purses. Lelah loved Elvis, and spending time with her family.

Surviving are: five sons, Charles W. Phillips, Jr. of Kirkville, David Phillips of Cazenovia, John and Ginger Phillips of Canastota, Robert and Becky Phillips, and William Phillips, all of Cazenovia; three daughters, Tammie Phillips of Canastota, Carrie and Douglass Cordell of DeRuyter, and Jennifer and Jason Dyer of Chittenango; five brothers, Marvin "Sonny" DeKing, Richard and Sandy DeKing, and Gilbert and Jill DeKing, all of Cazenovia, Frank and Joanne DeKing of Canastota, and Russell "Rusty" DeKing of Peterboro; three sisters, Diane and Harold Baker of Nevada, Nancy and Paul Tanner of Chittenango, and Marion and Walter Stokes of Morrisville; twenty-seven grandchildren; thirty great grandchildren; one great great grandson; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lelah was predeceased by one son, Daren Phillips; one granddaughter, Mellissa Phillips; one brother, Terry DeKing; and one sister, Joanne Dailey.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at the funeral home. The Rev. William M. Wilcox will officiate.

In her memory, contributions may be made to the Greater Lenox Ambulance Service, Inc. (GLAS), PO Box 382, Canastota, NY 13032, with envelopes available at the funeral home.