Ada M. (Sanderson) Phelps, 91, of Presque Isle, ME and Manlius, passed away Sept. 30, 2016. Born on Oct. 28, 1924, in Syracuse, she was the daughter of the late Earl D. and Maude (Hanchett) Sanderson. Ada was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, the late Kenneth H. Phelps. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt.
Ada graduated from Brockport State Teachers College and taught eighth grade Math and English in North Syracuse and sixth grade in Manlius. She loved singing and touring with the Acappella Choir of First Baptist Church in Syracuse.
After her marriage, she volunteered as financial secretary, and later treasurer of her church, First Baptist of Manlius. She enjoyed making dresses for her granddaughters, sewing draperies for her home, gardening and was a life long Syracuse University sports fan.
Ada and Ken enjoyed building their home in Manlius, feeding and watching birds, family camping, traveling and had a strong faith in Christ. They were active in their community, volunteering for “Friends in Service Here” in Manlius.  Ada was the primary care-giver for Ken for many years, helping him to stay active and in his own home.
Ada leaves her three children: Kenneth E. Phelps and his wife, Carolyn, of Presque Isle, Maine; Lorraine Huffaker and her husband, Bruce, of Cromwell, CT; Bruce Masi-Phelps and his wife, Mary, of Westwood, MA; seven grandchildren, Jason, Amie, Stephanie, Sandra, Patrick, Matthew and Andrea; four great-grandchildren, Ethan, Addison, Reid and Grant; a sister-in-law, Elinor Sanderson in Florida and many nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of the Presque Isle Rehab and Nursing Center and Leisure Village Assisted Living for their kindness and care.
Funeral: 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Mapleton United Baptist Church, 1633 Main Street, Mapleton, ME . Calling hours: 1 – 2 p.m., with a reception held at the Duncan- Graves Funeral Home following the committal service at Fairmount Cemetery.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Mapleton United Baptist Church Operation Christmas Child, PO Box 174, Mapleton, ME 04757 or the First Baptist Church of Manlius, 408 Pleasant Street, Manlius, NY 13104.