Elsa "Lee" Philpott's Obituary
Elsa "Lee" Philpott, age 88, of Waynesville, passed away Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Symphony of Centerville.
Lee graduated from Rushville High School, class of ’51, and graduated from nursing school in 1953. She worked nearly 30 years as a nurse, starting in Illinois, working several years in Marion, Ohio, and ultimately retiring from her nursing career after working several years in Kettering.
Along with her husband, Dick, Lee moved to Waynesville in the ’80s, where they purchased and restored the John and Clara Funkey House, which became their home for the rest of her life. Renovating, decorating, and furnishing her home became a primary hobby. She was always proud of her home for its beauty, grandeur, and historical significance to the town of Waynesville that she loved. She never hesitated to give tours to those who stopped by and even created a Bed & Breakfast in the back part, aptly named the Cranberry Cottage. The beauty of her home was apparent to those who drove by, as the exterior grounds were a show stopper to visitors of the village.
Independent, self-motivated, energetic, intelligent, outgoing, strong-willed, and caring, Lee will always be remembered for her firecracker persona. She proudly owned and operated My Wife’s Antiques and Cranberry Corners Antiques & Vintage in Waynesville during the latter part of her life.
Lee had a deep care and love for Waynesville. She volunteered with numerous activities and causes, both in town and throughout the area. She encouraged and supported causes that were devoted to the history of Waynesville and became a go-to source when historical details were requested. In addition, Lee volunteered at the Museum at the Friends Home in many ways, most notably by using her skills with decorating. She was also a member and very active with several local organizations, including the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), the Waynesville Chamber of Commerce, and the Waynesville Antique and Merchants Association (WAMA). Lee was awarded Citizen of the Year in Waynesville by the Waynesville Chamber of Commerce.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard “Dick,” in September of 2020; two daughters, Kim Slater and Nancy Lebsock; and her parents, Bryon and Georgia Horney. She is survived by two sons, Don Philpott and Eric (Daphne) Philpott; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Carter Horney; two nieces, Yvonne Hamilton and Yvette Seal; and a dear friend of over 50 years, Wilma Grace.
The family will receive friends 10 AM - 12 PM Saturday, January 22 at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A celebration of life service will be held immediately following the visitation at noon on Saturday at the funeral home. A graveside committal service will follow at Miami Cemetery in Corwin. Pastor Brian Blankenship will be officiating.
A dinner in Lee's honor will be served for friends and family at the Museum at the Friends Home following the committal service at the cemetery. In addition and If desired, contributions may be made in Lee's memory to the Museum at the Friends Home, PO Box 12, Waynesville, Ohio 45068. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Elsa?
What’s a lesson you learned from Elsa?
Share a story where Elsa's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Elsa you’ll never forget.
How did Elsa make you smile?