Malta, NY - Ruth Kissel Phillips passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 11, 2011. She was 85. Born in Albany, NY, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Mae Kissel and a 1943 graduate of Philip Schuyler High School in Albany. Later in life she attended Gallaudet University in Washington, DC, where she studied sign language. Formerly employed as an operator at the NY Telephone Company, she also worked nights at the Fuller Brush Company and was a longtime resident of Guilderland Center and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. After the passing of her husband of 28 years, Raymond L. Phillips, Ruth returned to work at the Guilderland Central High School where she worked as a beloved hall monitor for seven years. An avid reader, she loved to travel the United States and abroad. A loving mother, she is survived by her six children, June Phillips of Minoa, Thomas Phillips of Ballston, Susan Yeager of Elkhart, IN, Mark Phillips of Malta, Keith Phillips of Schenectady and Diana Daniels and son-in-law Paul Daniels of Ballston Lake; a grandmother of five: Stephanie, Tiffany, Paul Jr., Michael and Jennifer and a great grandmother of three.; her loving sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and John Miller; her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Deborah Kissel; several nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brother, Harold (Bud) Kissel, Jr., and a sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Richard Rose. Relatives and friends may call from 4pm to 7pm Monday, Nov. 14, 2011 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584 - 5373. The funeral will be conducted at 11am Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011 at the funeral home followed by burial in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.