Grandma Phillips 1918 ~ 2018

A week ago today, my Grandma Phillips left this world at 100 yrs-old.  

She was blessed enough to go peacefully in her sleep.  

She was a very caring person right to the end, being concerned for the welfare of her boys.  Me and couple of my kids were able to attend her funeral and hear all the wonderful stories of how her house was always full of family in need of a place to stay.  Once she and Grandpa even gave their room to someone and slept in a single bed in the dining room.  They would have to wake each other if they wanted to roll over.  She and Grandpa owned a hotel in Green River and would never turn away a traveler or the homeless in need of a meal.  She once accepted a salesman's 

set of pots and pans in payment for a room.

Although we are all sad that we won't be able to just drop by and see her anymore, we are all happy that she is out of pain and back to Grandpa's side and with her sister too.

It's comforting to know that a loving Father in Heaven has made it possible 

for us to be together again as a family.  

We may miss her for a short time now, but will be reunited again.

We've been blessed with a great example from a great woman.  

Until we meet again!!

Jay (Dad), Sharon (Mom), three daughters (Colleen, Julie, Noelle), our kids and our kids kids (most of them)

Although she wouldn't have liked all the fuss made about her, she would have

been really pleased to see all of us together.  She loved her family!

1918 ~ 2018
Salt Lake City, Utah-Lenore Neeley Phillips passed away at the age of 100 at her home surrounded by her family in Midvale, Utah, on Friday, April, 13 2018. Lenore was born January 22, 1918, at her family's home in Felt, Idaho, the youngest of 6 children, to Enos A. Neeley and Eva Ann Ricks Neeley. Lenore graduated from a one-room schoolhouse, high school and attended Ricks College. Lenore married Vail Jensen Phillips in 1939 in Victor, Idaho. The family grew to have three sons, V.Jay Phillips (b. 1940), Douglas H. Phillips (b. 1952), and Don A. Phillips (b. 1953). In 1942, the family moved to Utah. Lenore held several jobs of prestige throughout her life, including executive secretary for GE's district sales mgr. for 23 years. In addition, Lenore and Vail part-owned and managed the Book Cliff Motor Inn in Green River, Utah. Lenore also managed the St. Marks Hospital gift shop and volunteered at various hospitals.
Lenore was preceded in death by her husband, her sisters, Vida, Reva, Norma, Alice and brother Austin. She is survived by her sons, Jay (Sharon), Doug, and Don; her grandchildren Colleen Roundy (Wade), Julie Winterton (Brad), Noelle Whitaker (Joseph), Nathan Phillips, and Amy Nisar (Saifar); and her brother-in-law Boyd E. Phillips (Donna); as well as 19 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, and many close nieces and nephews. Thanks to Angels of Hospice.
A viewing will be held Thursday April 19, 2018 from 1-1:45 PM at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary 3401 S. Highland Dr. Salt Lake City, Utah. Graveside service to follow at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery.

Published in Salt Lake Tribune from Apr. 15 to Apr. 16, 2018

Funerals can be terrible and wonderful

Funerals can be terrible and wonderful things all at the same time.

It can be unbearable to even think of living without a loved one and crushing to see other loved ones feel the same pain or more.  It can be surreal and feel almost like you’re in a dream especially when a death is unexpected or premature.  That was certainly the case with my brother-in-law Gary. I can’t imagine a family gathering without his big heart and teasing grin.  He will be missed terribly.  

But one thing I’ve learned over the years is that there is always good to be found in any situation, even a funeral.

During this time, we had the great opportunity to reminese about old times, to remember funny stories, and inspiring deeds.  All sorts of people came together to honor Gary, support the family and show love to others in pain.  Countless people gave of themselves through service by offering their homes for our family, preparing and serving food, driving long distances, cleaning, shuttling, calling, organizing, and listening.  So many lives were touched by this experience.  

Then there’s the funeral service itself.  I always worry about how it will go.  Will it be depressing or inspirational?  It can be instrumental on how one moves forward.  Gary’s was the later.  I think we all left there wanting to be better people.  Although there were many tears shed, not all were out of sorrow.  Some were funny.  Some were in honor.  Some were inspired.  But certainly all came from love.  They were not only directed at Gary, but to God and his great Plan.  It was comforting to hear and know that life isn’t random, death has a purpose, and that we will all live again.  His brothers Robert and Joseph and brother-in-law Dave, all did a wonderful job at honoring Gary and reminding us of the big picture.

And my favorite part about funerals, if there can be one, is that family comes together.  They make it bearable.  Just their very presence reminds me that we are one.  We are linked together forever through God’s great Plan of Salvation.  It would be crushing to think of never seeing them again, but death loses it’s sting in the faith of eternal life as a family, God’s family.

So...life goes on, but with additional love, faith, and hope in a bright future.

Mt Pleasant, TX

It’s so pretty here!!
And I finally got to experience a little bit of fall.
I miss Texas!

Jaycee is Gary’s youngest granddaughter

Bekah, Karissa, Sarah

It wouldn’t be the country without a swing and cousins.

The Whitaker Clan!!

Love them!!