I never wanted to be old. However, lately my eyesight and hearing have failed me and I have had a lot of time to think about and reminisce with my girls. I’ve really had a wonderful life. I grew up in Salt Lake City and graduated from East High School.
Right after high school, I went to work for the Navy Base in Clearfield. The girls I met there started a group called the Bridge Club, although we didn’t play any bridge. Those ladies have been my special friends for over sixty years. Most importantly, I had the opportunity to set my sights on my future husband Max while there. We were married in the Salt Lake Temple and made our home in Syracuse.
We had three beautiful girls, Maxine, Mike and Jill. While they were in elementary school, I was able to keep my eye on them. I was the PTA President and was at their school being involved with all activities. During summers, I was the recreational director for Syracuse. I took a bunch of kids and my girls golfing and to swimming lessons at Lagoon. I was active in the LDS church and had many callings, but my favorite was Roadshow Director for fifteen years. My responsibilities including writing all skits, sewing costumes, and making up song lyrics. My friend would help me put them to music.
My sewing skills came in handy when I created stylish school clothes for my girls and made all their Halloween costumes. Of course, I also made a costume for myself and followed them out the door to go trick or treating even when they didn’t want me. I loved all holidays during the year and would decorate my house to the nines. Planning and hosting parties for any occasion would excite me, especially birthday parties. I loved baking the best cakes and pies for each holiday during the year.
As the kids got older, I had less control, so Max and I bought a boat where we could spend many hours with the girls and their friends boating at Pineview Dam, Bear Lake, and Lake Powell. Finally, there came a time where we had almost no control, so Max got a motorcycle and we hit the open roads with friends on many fun rides. Later, we got a motorhome and spent winters in Yuma, Arizona.
After Max died, I served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Australia. While in Melbourne, my niece and her children kept my yard looking good. Upon my return, it was clear that my yard was too large for me to handle alone. Lisa and her sons continued their excellent care on my yard for many years and even her daughter and daughter-in-law eventually took over the duties.
After 73 years in our home on Antelope Drive, the State decided to put a road through it, so I moved to a new home in Layton, leaving behind dear friends and neighbors. I just happened to meet my new neighbors while picking out furniture for the new house. We became fast friends and they have been there for me anytime I needed them.
I was blessed to have five wonderful grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. I want to thank all my family, friends, and neighbors for their love and support. I’ll miss this life but will happily reunite with Max and my son Steven, who I wasn’t able to know on earth. I also look forward to being with my parents and siblings Arline and Don. I look forward to planning many great parties with them.
Funeral services will be held Saturday September 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah. Friends may visit with family Saturday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.
Interment, Syracuse City Cemetery.
Our family wants to express our heartfelt thanks to family and friends for their love and support for our mom. Also for the exceptional love and care provided by Heather, Sarah, and Tiffany from Tender Care Hospice.
Services will be live streamed and may be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of Phyllis’ obituary page at www.lindquistmortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Lindquist Mortuary - Layton.

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