Joan Phillips, 75 of Albany, passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at Northwest Medical Center in Albany, Missouri. Joan, the daughter of Walter Scott and Opal (Kinman) Norman, Sr., was born December 7, 1933 in Albany, Missouri. In 1950, Joan began working for the Albany Ledger and Albany Capital and continued working for these papers until 1973. Also, during that time frame, she worked for the Headlight in Stanberry, Missouri. On April 4, 1952 Joan was united in marriage to Wesley Perry Phillips, Sr. To this union, two children were born, Ani Lynn and Perry. In 1974, Joan founded The Printery and the Gentry County Shopper. Since that time, Joan remained active in the operations and management of the New Shopper and The Printery. Joan was a member of the Albany United Methodist Church and also helped with the church's Angel Food Ministries. In past years Joan also taught Sunday School at the Albany Christian Church. Joan served on the Carnegie Public Library Board. She was one of two women who were members of the Albany Optimist Club. She also served as public relations chairman for the Albany BPW. Joan was a charter member and organier of the Northwest Heritage Society, which later merged with the Gentry County Museum Association. Joan was always active in helping promote Northwest Missouri and Southern Iowa's communities with her expertise in advertising and public relations. Her commitment to this area was tireless. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, husband Wesley, grandson, Eric Ross and brother Walter S. Norman II. Survivors: Daughter, Ani Lynn Ross, Denver, CO; Son, Perry (Susan) Phillips, Albany, MO; Granddaughter, Carrie Ross, Edwardsville, IL; Grandsons, Jonathan Phillips, Albany, MO; and Caleb Phillips, Columbia, MO; Sister, Pat (Gordon) Manring, Albany, MO; Foster Grandson, Cody Barry, currently serving in Kosovo; Sisters-in-law, Phyllis Norman, Lela Maxwell, Mary Hass and Twila Hulett; several nieces, nephews and a host of loving friends.