Obituary: Joy Phillips

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In memory of

Joy Phillips

of Midland, South Dakota, died on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 81

Joy Moyer was born November 8, 1928, in Glen (Sioux County) Nebraska, the daughter of Leslie Michael and Edna Christina (Popkay) Moyer. She grew up and attended country schools in the area through the eighth grade. Her ninth grade year, she attended Glen High School, then attended Harrison High School as a sophomore, before graduating from Crawford High School in Crawford, Nebraska in 1946.

In March, 1947, she was united in marriage to Clifford Phillips in Crawford, Nebraska. The following day they moved to a home northeast of Midland, South Dakota, and later that year moved into Midland.

Her husband Clifford preceded her in death on June 27, 2004. After his death, Joy remained at her home in Midland until she became a resident in the Silverleaf Assisted Living Center in Philip in July 2008. The residents and staff quickly became Joy’s extended family.

Joy was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, the Ruth Circle for over fifty years, and the American Legion Auxiliary for over fifty years. Joy was the organizer of the United Blood Services blood drive for the Midland area for over twelve years, was a leader of the Cub Scouts Pack, and a member of the Bad River Dance Club.

Joy enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and was very proud of all the accomplishments they have made. Cliff was a director of West Central Electric for over 20 years, so they enjoyed travelling to different cities for national conventions and sight seeing. Joy enjoyed cross-stitching, ceramics, and spending time on the computer.

Grateful for having shared her life include her son Gerald “Gary” Phillips and his wife Gretchen of Philip; her daughter Debby Jo Hieb and her husband Stacey of Centennial, Colorado; three grandchildren Nicholas Nowlin Phillips of Erie, Colorado, Nathan Graham Phillips of Sinia, South Dakota, and Amanda Margaret Hieb of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; one great-granddaughter Zoey Jane Phillips; two brothers Bob Moyer of Omak, Washington, and F.L. “Pete” Moyer of Omak, Washington; a sister Karen K. Banta of Morrill, Nebraska; a brother-in-law Roger Phillips and his wife Ionia of Liberal, Missouri; a sister-in-law Lorene Phillips of El Cerrito, California; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to her husband Cliff, Joy was preceded in death by her parents Leslie and Christina Moyer, two brothers David and Kenneth Moyer, and one sister Dorothy Sample.

Visitation was held 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, February 24, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Thursday.

Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 25, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland, with Pastor Frezil Westerlund officiating.

Interment was in the Midland Cemetery.

A memorial is established. Memorials may be directed to P.O. Box 45, Philip, SD 57567.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Thursday, February 25, 2010 - 2:00 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church
Midland, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Frezil Westerlund
MUSIC
Cynthia Finn - Pianist
Barb Bowen - Vocalist
“Precious Lord, Take My Hand”
“In The Garden"
Congregational Hymns
“Rock of Ages”
“The Old Rugged Cross”
USHERS
Rick Doud - Kirby Schofield
PALLBEARERS
Tom Finn - Shorty Jones
Ky Bowen - Lowell King
Jim Bierle - Charlie Williams
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Midland Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota

Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation: 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, February 24, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Funeral services: 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 25, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland.
Interment: Midland Cemetery.

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Gary and family: It is with great sadness that I extend my sincerest sympathy to you in the loss of your mother. When Joy was still going to church in Midland, she always stopped to visit with me for a few minutes at the end of each service. Her kind handshake, gentle voice of encouragement and warm smile must have made everyone who ever knew her feel very blessed. God bless all of you in this difficult time. ~ Dave and Valerie Ohrtman and boys Long Valley, SD (2/21/2010)
Gary & Debbie & families,
So sorry for your loss. She is in a much better place now and in no pain. She doesn't have to suffer any more. I'll always remember Joy most recently as coming to the cafe every Tuesday with the other widow ladies from the community for lunch. She was always so happy to be out and about. I also remember her from my younger years as a leader of the jr. auxiliary. Then of course when I was in school, too. I have good memories of Joy. May the Lord comfort you in your loss and remember the good times. Our prayers are with you all. God Bless! Gary & Jody Block ~ Gary & Jody Block Midland, SD (2/21/2010)
We were very sorry to get Gary's phone call telling us about Joy but know she is now no longer suffering. Our deepest sympathy to all of Joy's family and we will keep you in our prayers. Wish we could be with you but know we are thinking of you. Cork and Bev ~ Cork & Bev Jahner Kerrville, Texas (2/21/2010)
Debbie & Gary,
With my deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mother...my thoughts & prayers are with you. Bea ~ Bea Williams Missoula, Mt. (2/21/2010)
Was sorry to hear about your Mother. Cork and Bev told me this morning. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you. ~ Janet Alderman Kerrville TX (2/21/2010)
Gary and Deb, Sorry to hear about your mom. Mine has been gone for over 30 years and you never forget. Moms are so special. Ray Kelly family ~ Ray Kelly Tea, SD (2/21/2010)
I always enjoyed Joy. She was always so kind and made me giggle everytime she came to visit me...Gary you must have gotten your sense of humor from her. So sorry for your loss and may your memories of her get you through this difficult time. ~ Doreen Philip (2/21/2010)
Gary, Gretchen & Family,
Your mother was one of the most gracious women I have ever met. She always welcomed me to the church and made me feel right at home. ~ Mark Ford St. Cloud, MN (2/21/2010)
Gary and Family: We are sorry to hear of your great loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you. ~ Mike & Shar Moses Philip (2/21/2010)
So sorry to hear of Joy's passing. What an awesome lady. She will always have a special place in my heart. She and Cliff were like family. I will be thinking and praying for you. I wish I could be home for the funeral. I will be thinking of you. I am sure she is up in Heaven looking down with that wonderful smile. God Bless. ~ Kathy (Larson) and Bob LaDue and Boys 9802 Dutch Creek Drive Anamosa, IA 52205 (2/21/2010)
I will miss Joy. She suffered so much the last two or three years and I never heard her complain even once. She always had a smile. I know how many good memories you are going to have, which are very important now. Judy ~ Judy Daly Midland, S. D. (2/21/2010)
Gary & Gretchen:
Sorry to learn of Joy's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May the love of family and friends help comfort you at this time. ~ Davd & Karen Webb Rapid City SD (2/21/2010)
Gary & Gretchen and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. I loved taking care of your mom when I worked at the assisted living center. It was the highlight of my day to sit and talk to her. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by all that knew her. God Bless! ~ John and Alisha Oldenberg Philip (2/21/2010)
The world has lost a ray of sunshine but we will always carry Aunt Joy in our hearts. She was so aptly named - her smile, laugh & love spread joy to all who were blessed to know her. You are in our hearts. We love you. ~ Cheryl & Kevin Hall Wenatchee, WA (2/21/2010)
To the Magic Tape Guy,
We were so sorry to hear of your mom's passing, but know she is no longer suffering. We are thinking of you all and wish we were closer.

Love to you all,
Jenny, Stevie and Avery (Fufu Boy) ~ Jennifer Rislov Jones High Point, North Carolina (2/21/2010)
Gary & Debbie: So sorry to see the obituary of your Mom in the RC Journal. I have good memories of your Mom's laugh and her always-positive personality, from those good ole days in the '60s. She was the one who clued me in on cooking corn-on-the-cob in the microwave. Haven't cooked it any other way since! I'm praying YOU have hundreds of good memories and "remember-whens" as you visit with friends and family during this difficult time. May God be especially close to you at this time. Beryl (Addison) Geer ~ Beryl (Addison) Geer Gillette, WY (2/21/2010)
Gary, Deb and families. I want to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember your mother at so many activities and her bright and smiling face enjoying whatever was taking place. I remember her working with the Jr. Auxiliary and church programs. I know she will be missed. I hope that you will have many good memories to carry with you forever and that these will help you through this loss and sad time. ~ Marcia Jackson Hot Springs, SD (2/21/2010)
Gary & Gretchen - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Our sincerest sympathies. ~ Brock, Brittany, Taryn & Sawyer Smith Philip, SD (2/21/2010)
We're so sorry for your loss. Joy was really a joy!! Whenever we came to visit she always had a huge smile and hug waiting, she made you feel like everything was right in the world no matter what one was going through! We feel so very blessed to have had her in our lives and thought of her as family as we are sure so many others did as well!
Sending warm wishes in your time of loss,
The Larsons ~ Larry, Jean, Leah and Travis Larson Cedar Rapids IA (2/21/2010)
Gary & Family: Our thoughts and Prayers are with you during this time. ~ Irv & Pat Morford Philip, SD (2/21/2010)
Gary and Debby, I am sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I have so many fond memories of my time growing up in Midland and time spent with your family. Your mom always treated me as one of the Debby's and part of the family. My love to both of you. Debbie ~ Debbie Sammons Seattle Washington (2/21/2010)
Debby and Gary, I am sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I fondly remember all the time I spent at your house as a little girl. Your mom was like the second mom for me; considering all the time I spent there. Joy was there laughing, giving motherly advice and taking good care of her two "Debbies". My sincere sympathy for your loss. Debbie ~ Debbie Sammons Seattle Washington (2/21/2010)
Joy truly was the epitome of her name! Rob has commented that she was one of the people that made Midland such a welcoming place to him. For me, walking to Mom and Dad's store won't be the same without seeing Joy. I will miss her--hi's, smiles, and conversations. Thinking of all you during this time. ~ Becky (Nemec) , Rob & Josiah Thompson Sioux Falls, SD (2/21/2010)