Cloudy, 27° F
(Aug. 1, 1931 - Dec. 9, 2011)
Norma Louise Phillips, 80, died Dec. 9, 2011 in Powell.
She was born Aug. 1, 1931 in Powell to Erma E. (Bushey) and Kenneth W. Graham. She grew up in Powell and attended Powell’s schools. After graduating from high school, Norma attended and graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree and Teaching Credential in Physical Education. While attending Powell High School, Norma met and later married John R. Phillips on June 15, 1956.
Norma and husband John moved to Hanford, Calif., in August of 1964 to work and raise their four children. She taught physical education and coached at Woodrow Wilson Junior High School for 25 years. While raising her children, she donated time and effort to managing/coaching Bobby Sox Softball for many years. She loved teaching and received many coaching awards and the golden apple teacher’s award. She also enjoyed golf, gardening, swimming and going camping and fishing. One of her greatest pleasures after retirement from teaching was spending time playing with her grandkids. She was affiliated with the Presbyterian church.
Norma was preceded in death by her husband, John R. Phillips, her parents Erma and Kenneth, and a sister, Willie Grace, who died at a young age.
She is survived by daughters Marla K. (David) Skelton of Powell, Charla Phillips of Exeter, Calif., Shana (Brent) Neill of Truckee, Calif.; son John W. Phillips of Powell; brother Pat (Kathy) Graham of Powell; sisters Joann Edmonds of Powell, and Martha Harmon of Sheridan and grandchildren Nandina Godfrey and Jarret Godfrey of Exeter, Calif., Cody Neill, Cory Neill and Kaylee Neill of Truckee, Calif., and Jade Skelton of Powell.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Norma Phillips will be held at a later time.
Thompson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.thompsonfuneral.net.
