Inkom
Ray H. Phillips returned home to his Heavenly Father, March 14, 2009, surrounded by his family. He was born December 29, 1931, in Pocatello, Idaho to Morgan J. and Mae S. (Higgins) Phillips. He married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Ann Bell, May 22, 1953, and was later sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. He was an example of love, kindness, and perseverance. He loved the Savior and spent his life serving Him and others. He had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ.
Ray spent his early years in Pocatello, moving to Inkom at age eight, residing there the remainder of his life. He attended Inkom Elementary and graduated from Inkom High School in 1950, where he participated in sports and student government. He also attended college at Idaho State University.
Ray loved working with young men, and he served in scouting for many years. As a High Priest in the LDS Church, he also served on the High Council and as bishop of the Inkom First Ward. In 1964-66, he coached the ward’s youth basketball team at the All Church Tournament in Salt Lake City.
Ray had an incredible work ethic, which he taught not only to his immediate family but also to his associates. He retired from the Inkom Cement plant after 28 years. He worked partly in the quarry and then later as a lab technician after he lost his leg in an accident. He also was the manager of the Inkom Cement Employees Credit Union for 24 years. He showed great determination and resolve with his limited physical capabilities.
Ray loved the outdoors, sports, and all kinds of animals. He coached his children many years in various sports and was a big supporter of Marsh Valley High School and Brigham Young University athletics. Some of his favorite times were spent at his farm on the Bonneville bench raising cattle, horses, and alfalfa.
Ray was well known for his good nature and fun sense of humor. Ray and his wife Beverly have been blessed with a wonderful family of two sons and one daughter. He is survived by his wife, his son and daughter-in-law Brent and Linda Phillips (Las Vegas), son and daughter-in-law Rick and Ruth Phillips (Las Vegas), and daughter and son-in-law Anjanele and Kevin Degn (Malad); grandchildren Nathan and Brittany Herlean, Brandon, Garrett (deceased), Amber, Nicole, Danielle, McCall, and Summer Phillips; Bryan, Matthew, and Austin Phillips; Dallas, Bracken, and Hayden Degn; and great-grandchildren Krew, Matix, and Nixon Herlean. Also survived by brothers Bill (Carol) and Ridge (Bonnie), and sisters Myrtle Parks, Wilma (Al) Allen, and Dorothy (John) Green. Preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Sterling and Pete.
Funeral services will be held at the Inkom LDS 1st Ward Chapel, 960 N. Rapid Creek Rd., on Friday, March 20, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Thursday evening, March 19, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and on Friday morning from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Inkom City Cemetery.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Creekside Hospice, especially Toni, Sue, Rylee, and Jared, for their loving care and concern.