Lorene “Lori” Gail Phillips-Young of Dayton, Ohio, passed away leaving behind a legacy defined by her quick wit, sharp intelligence, and the laughter that filled every room she entered. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, E.C. and Jeanette Phillips. She is survived by her devoted siblings Craig (Beki) Phillips, Todd (Joy) Phillips, and Wendy (Jerrol) Phillips, as well as her sons Lucas (Casey) Young and Seth Young, and grandchildren Troy, Tatyana, and Prince. Lori was also a deeply cherished aunt to her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews—each of whom she celebrated with pride, affection, and boundless enthusiasm. Lori will be especially remembered for her love of learning and colorful storytelling. Her presence was unmistakable: warm, vibrant, and always ready to spark conversation. A lifelong scholar, Lori immersed herself in the pursuit of knowledge and the joy of teaching. She dedicated much of her professional life to the university setting, where she encouraged students to think boldly, connect deeply, and engage meaningfully with their communities. Her final academic home was the University of Dayton, where she inspired young people to explore ideas, challenge assumptions, and find their place in the world. Lori’s academic achievements were numerous, and she held degrees across multiple disciplines, each reflecting her curiosity and her belief in lifelong learning. She approached education not only as a profession but as a calling. In adulthood, Lori embraced Judaism, finding solace, grounding, and joy in rabbinical teachings. Her faith enriched her life and offered her a spiritual home that she treasured deeply. Lori’s personality was larger than life: radiant, expressive, and unforgettable. She brought energy to every gathering, compassion to every conversation, and humor to every challenge. Her absence leaves a profound void in the hearts of her family, friends, students, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be missed immensely. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, September 22, at the Oak Grove Natural Burial Cemetery, 4445 US Rt 68 N, Yellow Springs, OH 45387. Memories may be shared with the family online at www.hale-sarver.com