Ari Phillips

Ari Rose Phillips, age 33, of Maple Grove, Minnesota, passed away on September 12, 2026. She was born on March 23, 1993, in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Ari was funny, charismatic, compassionate, and wonderfully herself. She had a playful spirit, a quick wit, and a knack for finding joy in everyday moments. She could make people laugh with a perfectly timed comment or simply by being Ari. Her laughter was contagious, and the people who knew her will remember how easily she could bring joy into a room.

Ari was endlessly curious and had many interests. She enjoyed trying new things, eating new foods, and going on adventures. She loved movies and stories, from Disney to Harry Potter. Ari was creative and an artist; she was passionate about building with Legos and making rainbow loom designs.

Most of all, Ari deeply loved her family and friends and cherished the time she spent with the people closest to her. She was especially proud of being an aunt to her niece, Sloane.

Ari will be remembered as a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, and friend. Her generosity, compassion, playful spirit, and joy for life left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Ari is survived by her loving family, with whom she shared countless cherished memories and moments of laughter: parents, Rick & Tamara (Chargo) Phillips; sister, Alaina Kaganovich (Jake); niece, Sloane Kaganovich; grandfather, Stan Phillips; Kinga Taylor (Devin Bingham); Judith Island; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A heartfelt thank you to all of Ari’s caregivers and teachers who have dedicated their time, compassion, friendship, and love for Ari.

The family invites all who knew and loved Ari to join them in celebrating her life. Funeral service 11:00am WEDNESDAY, September 16th at BETH EL SYNAGOGUE, 5225 Barry St. W., St. Louis Park, and available on Zoom at www.hodroffs.com/AriPhillips (link also found below). Following the service, a procession will guide everyone to Adath-Yeshurun Cemetery (5605 France Ave S., Edina) for burial. Everyone is encouraged to continue celebrating Ari’s life with Shiva at 7:00pm Wednesday (9/16) and Thursday (9/17) at the Phillips’ home: 3635 Wedgewood Lane N., Plymouth. Ari’s celebration of life will continue on Friday (9/18) with an open-house starting at 6pm at the Phillips’ home. All are invited. Any donations in Ari’s honor are preferred to Camp Hand in Hand through the Autism Society of Minnesota.

Please feel free to wear clothing and/or jewelry that makes you think of Ari or is inspired by her.

The family encourages everyone to share their cherished memories and photos of Ari on the memorial page to help create a living tribute to this remarkable woman. In the words of Walt Disney, "Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever." Ari's laughter, creativity, and dreams will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.