Phyllis O. Boren

Phyllis O. Boren "Our Sweet Mother" Phyllis Elizabeth Ottley Boren, 89, our dear mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, died Friday, May 12, 2006, after a long illness. Throughout her fruitful life, family was always at the center of Phyllis' world. In a memoir penned for her six children she wrote, "I love you, collectively and individually, for the special people you are and for the added bonus of those you have chosen for companions." In later years, when surrounded by even a few of her 13 grandchildren and 50-plus great-grandchildren, her eyes would light up, radiating inner happiness. Phyllis was born in Aurora, Utah, February 13, 1917, the first child of Herbert and Velma Curtis Ottley, and lived in Aurora and Delta during her childhood. She graduated from Salina's North Sevier High School in 1935 and then attended Brigham Young University, an experience shortened by the Great Depression. She married Don L. Boren, of Provo, August 21, 1938, in Heber City; they were sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple in 1964. They made homes in Casper, WY, Provo, Orem, Salt Lake City and Murray. Her beloved Don died in 1967. She carried on, raising alone her two youngest, Ray and Elaine. Among Phyllis' remarkable traits were her uncomplaining persistence and make-ends-meet frugality. She worked both part time and full time at various points in her life, ultimately becoming a supervisor at Beehive Clothing for many years before her retirement in 1982. A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Phyllis served in many capacities, including Primary president, Sunday School and Relief Society teacher and visiting teacher, and temple ordinance worker, notably during her 33-year residence in West Jordan, where she had many wonderful friends. From 1999 to 2001 she was a service missionary/hostess at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City, which she considered a choice experience. Phyllis loved from childhood to sew, make heirloom-worthy dolls, read, learn and see for herself, as she wrote, "the colorful landscapes, the deserts and mountains of my home." Always gentle and gracious, she had a quiet, observant sense of humor that would sneak up on you. Her legacy is her family, to which she was devoted and which adored her, for Phyllis was extraordinarily loving, compassionate and giving. Her children include Dawna (John) Horsley, Half Moon Bay, CA ; Phillip (Reesa) Boren, Highland; Darlene Boren and Paul Boren (Beth), who both preceded her in death; Ray Boren, Salt Lake City; Elaine Boren-Hess (Bud), West Jordan; brother and sister-in-law, Quentin and Thora Ottley, Aurora; sister, Thail Dastrup, Lindon; as well as her treasured grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 18, 2006, 12 noon at the West Jordan 23rd Ward, 7255 South 2200 West. A viewing will be held Wednesday, 7-8:30 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S Redwood Road, and Thursday at the church, 11-11:45 am prior to service. Interment, Provo City Cemetery.