Obituary of Vera Settle Phillips Croote

Mrs. Vera Settle Phillips Croote, 95, of Canajoharie passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at Palatine Nursing Home. 

She was born on August 5, 1928 in Lawyersville, NY to Charles Jay Settle and Crystal Eleanor Saltsman Settle. 

Vera attended local schools and went on to earn a teaching degree. On August 19, 1950 she was united in marriage to Mr. DeForest V. Phillips, they remained lovingly married until his passing on October 15, 2003. Together they had three children and in 1952 bought their first farm. They would buy, fix up, operate, and sell various farms throughout the local area for many years. Vera loved farm work but was also a dedicated teacher beginning in one room schoolhouses and eventually retiring from the Fort Plain School district in 1981. 

Vera was fortunate enough to meet Robert Croote who enjoyed taking long walks just as much as she did. They were married on April 4, 2006, they spent 17 wonderful years together. 

In her spare time, Vera enjoyed traveling in their motorhome, she loved to ride motorcycles and would go square dancing every Saturday night. She also loved cats, especially her cat Willie. More than anything Vera loved to spend time with her family. 

She is survived by her husband Robert Croote, sons Victor D. Phillips and his wife Linda, and Robert J. Phillips and his wife Lorraine; a daughter, Linda E. Phillips; sister Janet Shuster; grandchildren: Heather and Richie Phillips, Jamie Pierce, Jessie Conden, Heidi (Drew) Meka, Chancey (Ann Falsarella) Phillips, Holly (Joe) Falsarella; great-grandchildren: Nolan and Maya Falsarella and Andrew and Olivia Meka as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband DeForest Phillips, and her siblings: Laura and Harold Settle, Jane Jones, and Eleanor Chapman.

A Service to Celebrate Vera's life with take place on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 11:00 am at Cornerstone Baptist Church 7274 St Hwy 10 in Ames, NY 13317 with Pastor Todd Lozier officiating. A  Calling Hour will take place at church before the service starting at 10:00 am. Following services Vera will be laid to rest with her family at Fort Plain Cemetery.