Philip A. Noble

On May 12, 2025, we unexpectedly lost our father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Phil Noble was the kind of person who filled a room the moment he walked in. Gregarious and warm, he greeted everyone with an inviting smile, a solid handshake, and a signature bear hug that somehow made the world feel a little safer. He had a way of making strangers feel like friends, and friends feel like family.
Phil was endlessly generous-with his time, his stories, and his laughter. He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone, anywhere, and genuinely wanted to know how you were doing. He always had time to catch up, to chat, and to crack a joke-sometimes a little off-color, but always in good humor and with that twinkle in his eye.
Philip "Phil" Noble was born on February 27, 1955, to Glenn and Genevieve Noble. He grew up alongside his older brother, Tim, and later welcomed two younger siblings, Dan and Mary, to complete the family. In 1962, the family moved to a 450-acre farm near Springdale, Washington. Life on the farm was full of early mornings and hard work-raising cattle and hogs, milking cows, harvesting hay, and fixing fences. But even with the daily chores and never-ending to-do lists, Phil always made time to do what he loved: hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. Eventually, the family would relocate to Yakima to be closer to extended relatives, and Phil went on to graduate from Naches Valley High School.
In 1975, Phil met and married Patricia "Pixie" Payne, and together they had three children: Nathan, Angela, and Jessica. With a growing family to support, Phil went to work in the woods-a place where he felt at home. He built a career that spanned nearly 40 years, working for Verlyn Payne, Layman Lumber, Zwight Logging, and finally Wheeler Logging. Over the years, he did just about every job there was: felling, bucking, driving, running the loader-you name it, he did it. Most folks in the logging world knew him by his CB handle, "Beer Belly," and that name always brought a smile to those who heard it over the radio.
Outside of work, Phil found joy in the simple things. He loved working in his gardens, tending to his flowers with care and pride. His yard was always bursting with life-thanks to the same steady hands that once felled trees. He had a soft spot for animals, and they seemed to love him right back. Whether it had fur, feathers, or hooves, if it wandered onto Phil's land, it usually found a home. He never gave up his love for fishing and could often be found casting a line or swapping fish stories, whether they were true or just true enough. Nature brought him peace, and he returned the favor by honoring it with his time and attention.
Later in life, Phil found deep love, joy, and companionship with Debbie Zarana. Her heart was his from the moment she felt one of his big, signature hugs. Together, they shared a bond built on laughter, loyalty, and a genuine love for each other's company. Whether traveling to places like Nashville or Mexico, or simply sitting side by side on the porch, they made the most of every moment. Their time together was magical-Phil was truly his best self with Debbie, and those who knew him during those years saw just how happy and full his heart had become.
Phil was preceded in death by his mother, Genevieve; his older brother, Tim; and his cousins, Joe and Jon. Their memories were never far from his heart.
He is survived by his son, Nathan; daughters, Angela and Jessica; and his beloved grandchildren: TJ, Trisha, Sean, Jacob, Makenna, and Abbi. He also leaves behind his Aunt June, his brother Dan (Linda), his sister Mary (Michael), and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins-each of whom held a special place in his heart.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 19th at 4:00 p.m. at the Selah Civic Center in Selah, Washington. We welcome all who knew and loved Phil to join us-come ready to share your best stories, your loudest laughs, and maybe even a slightly off-color joke in his honor.
Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at: www.brooksidefuneral.com