Delores Philp

Delores Philp, 84, passed away June 24, 2024, at her home in Battle Creek, Michigan. She was born December 7, 1939, to Nick and Enola (Treat) Gregory in Battle Creek, Michigan.

From an early age, Delores took piano, organ, voice, and violin lessons. Her love of music shaped the rest of her life and career. Delores played in the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony and the Battle Creek Symphony while still attending high school, later enrolling in Western Michigan University to study violin performance and play with Julius Stulberg. Delores earned her Bachelor’s degree in music in 1962, and later went back to WMU to earn two Master’s degrees in teaching of music and K-12 School Administration. She taught at Battle Creek Public Schools and influenced hundreds of young musicians during her time as the Director of Orchestras, Vocal Music and Piano Labs, as well as teacher of Orchestras and Strings. 

While music was a large part of Delores’ life, her family was just as important to her. She was proud of her sons and their accomplishments, and loved her grandchildren dearly. Family gatherings always included storytelling, good food, and laughter. Delores herself said: “Happiness comes from simply being together”.

Delores is survived by her children Jim (Linda) Estes, David (Jennifer) Estes, and John (Kathy) Estes; grandchildren Katharine and Alexander Estes, Morgan, Harrison, Faith, and Garrett Estes, Jacob and Ellory Estes; brothers Larry Gregory and Paul (Joanne) Gregory; nieces and nephews Gary (Linda) Gregory, Kriste (Chris) Vocke, Mike Gregory, Paul (Annie) Gregory, Juli (Gregory) Donabedian, and Jennifer (Mark) Chadwick.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law, Sue (Kellogg) Gregory, and grandson Cameron Estes.

Visitation will take place on Monday, July 1st at 11:00 a.m. at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m., with Pastor Craig Gilbert officiating. Interment will take place at Battle Creek Memorial Park.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Stulberg International String Competition (Stulberg Competition Donate) or Battle Creek Symphony (Battle Creek Symphony Donate)