Arthur Ed Phillips

Arthur Ed Phillips, 90, returned to his Heavenly Father on December 30, 2025, in Caldwell, Idaho, surrounded by loved ones. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Art leaves behind a legacy defined by faith, work, humility, and a deep and abiding love for his family and the land he called home.

Born July 9, 1935, in Aberdeen, Idaho, Art arrived as a twelve-pound baby on the family’s 120-acre farm to Eddie J. and Dorothy Ione Muirbrook Phillips. The third of five children, he was raised in the rhythms of farm life, hauling milk in winter snowstorms, raking hay with horses, thinning beets, and picking potatoes by hand late into Idaho’s crisp autumn nights. Those early years shaped him, instilling in him the belief that work was not something to complain about, but something to be grateful for. He often reflected, “That’s just how life was lived, everybody worked, and we got her done.” That simple truth followed him all his days.

At Aberdeen High School, Art’s grit, determination, and natural athletic ability made him a standout. He proudly helped lead his basketball team to the 1953 State Class B Championship in a dramatic, sudden-death overtime victory, a memory he treasured throughout his life. Following graduation, he continued his education at Idaho State University, where an unexpected turn of fate would forever change his life.

During a church activity, he met RuthAnn Croshaw, the woman who would become his eternal companion. Though shy, Art’s warm smile and sense of humor quickly caught her attention. Their love grew steadily, rooted in faith and friendship, and on September 23, 1954, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they built a life grounded in devotion to God, to one another, and to their children.

Art committed his life to working the land. He owned and operated 250 acres of various crops, cattle, and sheep. He later concluded his career at the Idaho State Experimental Farm, where his knowledge and stewardship blessed not only his own family but the farming community he cherished. He also served as chairman of the Wool Growers Association and as a member of the Idaho Potato Board, where his voice, experience, and integrity were respected.

Service was central to who he was. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Art served ten years in a Bishopric and five years as a temple worker. He ministered quietly and sincerely, often without recognition, because it was the right thing to do. His testimony of Jesus Christ was evident not only in his words but in the way he lived through sacrifice, consistency, and love.

Art will be forever remembered for his playing teasing, his famous “pine floats’” his woodworking skills, and the heirloom cedar chests and curio cabinets he lovingly crated for posterity. Most of all, he will be remembered for the way he made others feel seen, welcomed, and valued.

He is survived by his children: Kathleen Nelson (Garth), Jocelyn Robinson (Kert), Bobette Nelson (Mike), Wendy Gamble (David), Nanette Merrill (Ben), and Wesley Phillips (Nicole); 28 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and a large extended family who will forever cherish the memories and lessons he imparted.

He is now reunited with his parents, three siblings, his grandson Jordan, two children, Russell Blake Phillips, and LaNae Phillips, and his eternal companion, RuthAnn, who proceeded him in death

A funeral service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Aberdeen 1st Ward, (149 W. Central, Aberdeen, Idaho) at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026. A viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared at www.DavisRoseMortuary.com.

Though our hearts ache in his absence, we find peace knowing he is reunited with his beloved RuthAnn and after losing his sight in his final years, can see her and his loving, heavenly father clearly once again.