Lara Lisbet Phillips, 19, of Kimberton, died early Friday morning, Oct. 2, 2009 at the A.I. DuPont Children's Hospital, Wilmington, Del., surrounded by her family.

Born in Washington, D.C., Lara was the daughter of Richard and Amy (Shaw) Phillips, and Andreas Bucher. Lara was a graduate of Phoenixville High School class of 2008.

A soldier at heart, Lara was a member of the 56th Stryker Brigade, an Honorary Member of 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Corp of Cadets of Citadel and the South Carolina National Guard. She was an avid reader, and she especially enjoyed spending time with her "peeps" at the Phoenixville Senior Center.

Lara was a member of the Phoenixville Chamber of Commerce Charity Ball Committee and played an integral part in making the first ball in 2007 the tremendous success it was with her hard work, inspiration and dedication. She was also a member of the Chester County Young Republicans. Lara had a special love for the beach, especially spending time at the lighthouse on Sullivan's Island, S.C., that her great-grandfather built.

In addition to her parents, Lara is survived by her best friend and sister, Melissa A. Phillips, at home; a stepbrother, Kristopher Phillips; two stepsisters, Kelly Means and Kimbar Fenner; grandparents, Ruth Phillips, Sid and Jo Shaw, and Hans and Marlis Bucher.

She was predeceased by her grandfather, Lawrence Phillips.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday Nov. 14, at the Kimberton Arts Building, Kimberton Road at 1 p.m.

Due to a medical condition, the family requests that no flowers be sent. Contributions may be made in Lara's memory to Healing Touch, at A.I. DuPont Children's Hospital, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803.

Online condolences may be made at: www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Main Street at Fifth Avenue, Phoenixville.