Loyce Phillips

Loyce M. Phillips

May 28, 1928—March 28, 2022

Loyce M. Phillips, 93, of John Day was surrounded by family when she passed away March 28th in Pasco, Washington. Graveside Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on April 9th at the Canyon City Cemetery.

Loyce was born May 28, 1928 to Dewey and Mildred Benson in Prairie City, Oregon.  She was the first of four children followed by Peggy, Jack and Sherrie. Loyce completed her education at the Mt. Vernon Schools and graduated in 1945 (a year early) with a class of two. During her school years she worked for her Aunt Velda Williams at her local café and also worked Sundays at Oregon Telephone as one of their first operators.  Loyce attended a Portland Business School and then lived and worked at the Bear Valley Ranger District.  At the conclusion of World War II, she was transferred to the US Forest Service office in John Day and later she was employed at the Grant County Bank where she met the love of her life, Stanley Phillips. Their first date was a fishing trip. They were later married at the First Baptist Church in John Day On December 12, 1948. Three children were born of this union, Ronald, Thomas and Mary Lou.  After their children started school, Loyce worked for her Aunt Kristine Staig for 35 years at the John Day Liquor Store.  In their latter years, Stan and Loyce formed Phillips’ Fire Investigation where they worked and traveled extensively both for business and pleasure. They traveled to all 50 states, visited parts of the Oregon Trail, Branson Missouri, and Nashville Tennessee, took their grandchildren to Hawaii, Disneyland, and fishing in Alaska and attended the National Finals Rodeos in Las Vegas regularly.  They were accompanied by family and friends on several trips. After celebrating 54 years of marriage, Mr. Phillips passed away.  Loyce continued to live in the family home of 67 years that she and Stan built until June of 2021 when her health required a move to Pasco Washington to live with and near Mary Lou and Gordon.

Loyce was a very loving and nurturing person who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.  She was an avid gardener, seamstress, cake decorator, baker, hunter and fishing extraordinaire. Although she didn’t seek the spotlight, she always seemed to be where help was needed and quietly disappeared when the time was right.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son Thomas (Tommy); husband Stanley, Sister Peggy Cloud and grandchild Jacelyn Black.

Loyce is survived by son Ronald R. Phillips, Mary Lou (Gordon) Campbell, Grandchildren, Aaron (Kirsten) Black, Emily (Greg) Ransier, 3 Step-Grandchildren, 4 Great-Grandchildren, Nathan, Natalie, Zoey, Addison and one Great-great-grandchild Mila, Brother Jack (Marlene) Benson, Sherrie (Harley) Allen and Brother-in-law Lyle Cloud.

 Memorial Contributions may be made to a charity of your choice through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834.  Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com