Stella Rose Phillipp

Stella Rose Streng Phillipp died on Sunday, January 25, 2026 in Gainesville, Texas at the age of 92, in the comfort of her daughter and son-in-law, Tina and Brad Hall’s, home.

Stella was born in Muenster, Texas on September 10, 1933 to John Peter Streng and Mary Agnes Wimmer Streng. She was married to Thomas Edward Phillipp on September 10, 1952 at St. Mary’s Catholic church in Gainesville, Texas.

Stella was a wife, mother and homemaker. She had a servant’s heart. She never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone who needed help, but especially her children and grandchildren. Stella was delighted with her 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Stella was born and raised in Muenster, Texas and went to Sacred Heart Catholic school. She left home at the young age of 16 or so to work in Gainesville because times were very difficult at home and she had to help out in any way possible; even if it meant leaving your home. She married and they raised their family in Gainesville. Stella was a caregiver to her husband when he became ill and did whatever she needed to do and never complained. She volunteered at her church St. Mary’s, and worked a full time job. Stella enjoyed cooking, making her famous Christmas fudge and applesauce and chocolate cakes. Family gatherings were very special to her.

Stella and Tommy raised 4 daughters: Peggy Salas (Oscar) of Little Elm, Texas, Debbie Ferrell (Robert) of Era, Texas, Valerie Arendt (Bill) of Gainesville and Tina Hall (Brad) of Gainesville. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Kenny Blanton, Teresa Huerta,  Oscar Salas, Melissa Scoggins, Jeremy Salas, Rebecca Doughty, Justin Jordan,  Emily Arendt, Erin Arendt, and Gabe Arendt; 28 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Survivors also include: her sister and brother-in-law, Clara and Horace Brown of Ft. Worth and numerous nieces and nephews.

Stella was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy; brother, Virgil Streng; 4 sisters: Sylvia Wood, Laura Witte, Frances Chantre, and Helen Streng (infant sister); her father and mother, John and Mary (Mamie) Streng; and her grandparents: Peter and Magdalena Streng, and John and Mathilda Wimmer.

A Rosary service will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m., at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home, Gainesville. The family will receive friends following the Rosary. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 2, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Gainesville. A committal service will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Gainesville.