Curtis Arthur Phipps

Curtis Arthur Phipps graduated from this world and returned to be with his Heavenly Father on October 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Brusett, Montana.

Curtis was born December 8, 1934 at the family home in Brusett to Charles and Elsie (Loomis) Phipps. He joined 3 older siblings – Roy, Evelyn and Frank. Afterwards, Mary, David, Robert, and Clinton were born, completing their family.

The Phipps family had a history of raising cattle, farming and haying. Curtis loved the agricultural life and stayed on the family ranch all of his life. He attended Blackfoot School until the Pine Grove School was built during his 8th grade year . After finishing 8th grade, he continued working on the ranch and taking on side jobs fencing, operating the sawmill, and some carpentry work. He could do anything he set his mind to.

At a dance at the Fairview Hall, he met the love of his life, Flossie Hellyer. They were married August 21, 1957 in Sand Point, Idaho. During their years together, they created a strong family legacy of 11 children, 42 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Curtis was an example of hard work and instilled that same work ethic in his children. He was physically strong but also gentle, giving and willing to lend a helping hand. He spent his work time riding horses in his beloved Missouri Breaks, raising cows, fencing, running a sawmill, trapping and cutting firewood. He was willing to ride the horse that no one else wanted to, and would turn it into a good saddle horse.

During recreational time, he could be found fishing, hunting, and gardening. His favorite times were spent playing baseball, horseshoes and cribbage with his children and grandchildren.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many capacities. His favorite volunteer position was at the Billings Temple. He and Flossie drove there nearly every week for 14 years. In addition, he also served on the Pine Grove School Board and the Fairview Hall Board.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Elsie, his parents-in-law Lawrence and Sarah Hellyer, his siblings and their spouses Roy, Evelyn Chamberlin, Frank, David and Nell, Robert and Margie, Clinton and Prentice, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Leora and Shorty Mercer, Lois Gregerson, Betty Smotherman, Ellen Hellyer and his grandsons Tyrell Phipps and Koulter Garner.

He is survived by his loving wife Flossie of 68 years, his children Brinda (Steve) Pluhar of Cohagen, Montana, Twila McWilliams of Jordan, Montana, Charles (Mary Ann) of Glendive, Montana, Merl of Jordan, Montana, Tony (Debbie) of Jordan, Montana, Kyle (Lynie) of Sheridan, Wyoming, Clyde (Lori) of Jordan, Montana, Cinda (Arell) Patten of Littleton, Colorado, Justin (Rachel) of Lacey, Washington, Cal (Kelsey) of Jordan, Montana, Chad (BeKa) of Miles City, Montana, his sister Mary (Bob) Cowin, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Curtis Chamberlin, Rhoda Phillips, Larry and Jackie Hellyer, Virgil and Carol Hellyer, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025 at the VFW in Jordan with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Jordan. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Pioneer Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.

Memorials may be made to the Garfield County Fair Board, c/o Jeana Bliss, 495 Twin Buttes Road, Sand Springs, MT 59077.