Curtis Arthur Phipps graduated from this world and returned to be with his Heavenly Father on October 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Brusett, Montana.
Curtis was born December 8, 1934 at the family home in Brusett to Charles and Elsie (Loomis) Phipps. He joined 3 older siblings – Roy, Evelyn and Frank. Afterwards, Mary, David, Robert, and Clinton were born, completing their family.
The Phipps family had a history of raising cattle, farming and haying. Curtis loved the agricultural life and stayed on the family ranch all of his life. He attended Blackfoot School until the Pine Grove School was built during his 8th grade year . After finishing 8th grade, he continued working on the ranch and taking on side jobs fencing, operating the sawmill, and some carpentry work. He could do anything he set his mind to.
At a dance at the Fairview Hall, he met the love of his life, Flossie Hellyer. They were married August 21, 1957 in Sand Point, Idaho. During their years together, they created a strong family legacy of 11 children, 42 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Curtis was an example of hard work and instilled that same work ethic in his children. He was physically strong but also gentle, giving and willing to lend a helping hand. He spent his work time riding horses in his beloved Missouri Breaks, raising cows, fencing, running a sawmill, trapping and cutting firewood. He was willing to ride the horse that no one else wanted to, and would turn it into a good saddle horse.
During recreational time, he could be found fishing, hunting, and gardening. His favorite times were spent playing baseball, horseshoes and cribbage with his children and grandchildren.
He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many capacities. His favorite volunteer position was at the Billings Temple. He and Flossie drove there nearly every week for 14 years. In addition, he also served on the Pine Grove School Board and the Fairview Hall Board.
Curtis was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Elsie, his parents-in-law Lawrence and Sarah Hellyer, his siblings and their spouses Roy, Evelyn Chamberlin, Frank, David and Nell, Robert and Margie, Clinton and Prentice, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Leora and Shorty Mercer, Lois Gregerson, Betty Smotherman, Ellen Hellyer and his grandsons Tyrell Phipps and Koulter Garner.
He is survived by his loving wife Flossie of 68 years, his children Brinda (Steve) Pluhar of Cohagen, Montana, Twila McWilliams of Jordan, Montana, Charles (Mary Ann) of Glendive, Montana, Merl of Jordan, Montana, Tony (Debbie) of Jordan, Montana, Kyle (Lynie) of Sheridan, Wyoming, Clyde (Lori) of Jordan, Montana, Cinda (Arell) Patten of Littleton, Colorado, Justin (Rachel) of Lacey, Washington, Cal (Kelsey) of Jordan, Montana, Chad (BeKa) of Miles City, Montana, his sister Mary (Bob) Cowin, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Curtis Chamberlin, Rhoda Phillips, Larry and Jackie Hellyer, Virgil and Carol Hellyer, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025 at the VFW in Jordan with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Jordan. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Pioneer Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Memorials may be made to the Garfield County Fair Board, c/o Jeana Bliss, 495 Twin Buttes Road, Sand Springs, MT 59077.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday November 7, 2025
VFW Hall
Jordan, Montana 59337
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday November 7, 2025
VFW Hall
Jordan, Montana 59337
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Garth Sleight says
I have known, respected, and loved Curtis for almost 40 years. I thoroughly enjoyed my association with this wonderful man. I remember how deeply moved he was when his cochlear implants allowed him to hear his grandchildren and great-grandchildren tell their grandpa that they loved him. Now his hearing is perfect, along with his breathing and his knees. My love and condolences to the myriad of members of his immediate and extended families, as well as the countless people who loved this great man and counted him as a treasured friend.
Karen Taylor says
Sending hugs and prayers to all the family and friends. Curtis was such a sweet man.
Brad and Heather Schmitz says
Heather and I love the Phipps clan! So happy your Dad has graduated! What a good life he lived. Our condolences on your loss/Curtis’s passing.. But, what a joyous event to be with Tyrell, and the rest of the family on the other side. Thanks Curtis for your great example of dedicated decipleship. It’s been a pleasure being part of your life.
Mindi Mauck says
Lots of love and big hugs!
Karen James Barnes says
Sending sympathy to all of Curtis’s family – may all your good memories be a comfort to you at this sad time. He was such a kind, thoughtful man and will be missed by family and friends. God Bless all
Rhonda Daniel says
If anyone deserves heaven, it’s him. He was the kindest, gentlest person I’ve ever known. Always a quiet presence. But the kind of quiet a mountain has. I remember staying at their house one night with a living room full of cousins. A tornado touched down somewhere close and sucked the big picture window out. He didn’t get rattled. Just checked on us, got it covered for the night and said, guess we’ll be needing a new window. He’ll be missed. Love you Uncle Curtis.
Sandra Barclay says
Curtis seemed like a gentle giant to me. I wasn’t acquainted with him as well as I am with his family, but you all are a testament to his greatness. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim and Kathy Bowers says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. What a wonderful long life he had with many great memories of his children and grandchildren. May God be with you all as each of you mourn his death and celebrate all the great memories. Peace be with your all.
Holly & Shane says
We can not go to funeral so I want to say so sorry to all Curtis’ family. Such a nice man.
Jack Austin says
Condolences to the Phipps family. Curtis was a good man and the patriarch of a long line of good people.
Denise and Jay Harvey says
A great man with a wonderful legacy!
Thank you for sharing him!
Andrea-Justin Pluhar says
Sending thoughts and prayers to the entire Phipps family on your family’s loss.
JANET (NEE LEEPER) CLARK says
To Flossie and family, so sorry for your loss, may your memories bring you some comfort and peace. Resting in Paradise.
Mitzi Beecher says
Prayers to the whole family at this difficult time.
Marcy Parks says
Kyle, Clyde, and families, I am so sorry! My heart goes out to all of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Catherine A Byron says
With Curtis passing we lost the last pillar of patriarch leadership we took for granted for 100 years in our little corner of the world. A bond of friendship between Alex Crane and Charlie Phipps was sterling from their homestead boyhood till Charlie’s passing. The strong ties passed to the next generation which is rapidly dwindling. My prayer is that we all strive to emulate the lessons we watched them live out. Actions speak louder than words. I asked Curtis this past summer, “What was the most important thing your Dad taught you?” His quick reply was, “If somebody needs help, give it to them.” He always did – and with a smile. To all of you kids, grandkids, and especially to Flossie: May you find comfort in knowing that many of us share your loss. My prayer for each of you is for peace and comfort in the coming days. Be blessed by knowing your role model was one of the Missouri Breaks greats. He will be sorely missed.
Rena Negaard says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Flossie and family.
Praying that you all receive all the peace and understanding that God has to offer.
Duane and Rena Negaard
Sheila and Leon Pack says
President and Brother Curtis Phipps was a Kind, Quiet, Enduring, Friend and Valiant Servant of the Lord.
Janet L Loomis says
Flossie and Family
So sorry to hear of you loss.
Prayers for comfort.
I wish I was able to attend the service.
Janet Loomis
Chris Hopkins and the Hopkins family says
My family’s condolences to the Phipps family. We have been welcomed to eastern Montana by many Phipps’ family members over the years and I know that has much to do with the efforts of Curtis and Flossie providing excellent role models in raising their kids and grandkids. My interactions with Curtis and Flossie were always positive! What a great man and a great family legacy.
Louise de Montigny says
My condolences to Flossie, all the Phipps family, and the Brusett community for this passing. Curtis had abundant blessings with the life he lived, shared and created. Peace to you all as you gather to memorialize him and in the days forward.
Sandy and Pat Anderson says
Charles and Mary Ann, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We will keep you all in our prayers
phil and Darlene says
CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR ALL OF THE CURTIS PHIPPS FAMILY WE WILL ALL MISS HIM MAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN YOUR MEMORIES .
Tom and lillian Ostendorf says
Our condolences to the Phipps families. Curtis was a great guy. He will be remembered fondly.
Kent Wangsness says
Clyde & Lori,
My thoughts & prayers go out to you at this trying time !
All the BEST !
Your friend,
Kent Wangsness
Sara L Ludwig says
I will always remember uncle Curtis as the Gentle Giant. Prayers are with you, aunt Flossie and family.
Sara Lou