Phyllis Ann (Phalen) Griffin, age 86 of Ismay, MT passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 4th, 2015, with family at her side.
Phyllis was born on September 21st, 1929 on Box Elder Creek near Ekalaka, MT in a one-room log house with her grandmother Phalen as midwife. She was the fourth child of Lawrence and Rose (Ambrose) Phalen, and spent her early years at Box Elder Creek. In 1936, drought, grasshoppers, and locusts forced her family to move to Miles City. Despite facing many hardships in her young life, Phyllis said the good times always outweighed the bad. She started school in Miles City in the fall of 1937, graduating from Custer County High School in 1949. Friends, sports, and family made for very enjoyable high school years. Phyllis worked as a “Number Please” telephone operator, and on the Gilman Ranch, where she met the love of her life, Buford Griffin. They were married in Miles City on January 7th, 1951.
Buford and Phyllis made their home on Whitney Creek, where they were blessed with three sons; Bill, Tom, and Don. She cherished those years raising her family, gardening, and making life-long friends in the Whitney Creek community.
Phyllis and Buford purchased their home place on Powder River in 1967. She worked right along with her husband and her sons, gradually growing the ranch and helping to realize their dream. Her sons were raised knowing the value of hard work and family. Phyllis was a wonderful homemaker, ranch hand, gardener, knitter, quilter, cook, and baker, among many other talents. Everyone that came through Phyllis’s front door was greeted with coffee, delicious treats, and great conversation around her kitchen table. Phyllis loved feeding others, and if anyone left hungry, it was their own fault.
One of the greatest joys in Phyllis’s life was spending time with her six granddaughters, and later, her 4 great-grandchildren. She helped to instill the value of generosity and selflessness in her family, and always put others before herself. In addition to sharing these values with her family, Phyllis affected everyone she met. Her smile, and the genuine joy she emitted helped everyone to feel welcome and special. Phyllis’s sweet laugh was often shared through funny stories of her childhood and of her life. She was well known for her cake-baking and quilting skills, making dozens of graduation and wedding cakes, as well as quilts for each of her granddaughters’ graduations. Phyllis and Buford loved to travel, and they generously took all of their granddaughters on cruises as each of them graduated from high school.
She loved hosting friends for her famous Christmas and card parties. Phyllis was also an active member of the Presbyterian Church community, frequently volunteering her time and her baking skills. Phyllis was an active member of the Fallon Creek Cattlewomen, Locate-Knowlton Homemakers, and Range Riders Reps.
Phyllis will be deeply missed by all she knew, but especially by her family. In her words, “having family is the best asset you can ever have.”
Phyllis is survived by her sons; Bill (Ronda) of Ismay, Tom (Cindy) of Laurel, Don (Pam) of Ismay; granddaughters; Ciara Griffin (John Budge), Nicole (Ryan) Rolf, Amy (Chad) Hodgson, Brooke (Brooks) Kmetz, Jenna Griffin, Callie Griffin; great grandchildren; Avery, Payton, Dane, and Camryn; sisters-in-law Ona Lee and Maxine, and brother-in-law Bud Naylor, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Phyllis was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, Buford; parents Lawrence and Rose Phalen; siblings Lenora, Agnes, Pat, and Betty Jo; brothers-in-law Jimmy, Fred and Charles, and sister-in-law Jean.
Should friends desire, memorials can be made to the Knowlton Community Cemetery Fund, First Presbyterian Church, Range Riders Museum, or the charity of your choice.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Knowlton Cemetery
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 8, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday December 9, 2015
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following the Service.
Wednesday December 9, 2015
Knowlton Cemetery
Ismay, Montana 59336
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 8, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday December 9, 2015
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following the Service.
Wednesday December 9, 2015
Knowlton Cemetery
Ismay, Montana 59336
Share
Shirley Rolf says
So sorry for your loss, Phyllis, was one of my all time favorite people and we will all miss her.
John and Nikki Brown says
Phyllis was like a second mom to me and I will miss her so.
Heaven has definitely gained the sweetest angel.
Our sincere sympathies.
John Brown
Carmen and Jared Holley says
We are so sorry for the loss of such an amazing woman. She was a glimpse of a memory of my own grandma when I would visit with her. I will miss our Long visits at DQ over her favorite 5 buck lunch. May your memories of her and Buford stay vivid. Our prayers are with you all – Carmen Holley
Earl and Cindy Ritzman says
Phyllis was such a gem! Will miss seeing her. So sorry for your loss. We extend our sympathies.
Aaron Mollie Robert and Michael Phipps says
Heaven did truly gain an angel. Our heart breaks for you all, but rejoices for her heart in Heaven with Buford. May the Peace of the Lord be with you during this difficult time.
GARY AND PAT HELM says
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT PHYLISS, ALL OUR PRAYERS AREING OUT TO YOU AND YOURS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Tyler and Julie Cook says
Phyllis was a wonderful lady, she was always so kind. So Sorry for your loss.. We will keep you in our prayers..
Rick & Dee Abbott says
We were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Phyllis. She was a true Montana lady! You have our prayers for comfort during all the days of your grieving.
Curt and Patsy Almy says
Loyal. Kind. Great sense of humor. Encouraging. Generous. Caring. Gracious. Thoughtful. Practical. Tough. Tender. Hard working. Big heart. Big enough for all. And then it quit and leaves us: stunned. Weeping. Empty. Sorrowful. Remembering. And then we smile and are so thankful for her place in our hearts.
Kim,Kevin McKenzi &family says
Phyllis was the epitome of all that is good and right in the world. Could do anything and always with a smile on her face and that laugh. Just being around her made you strive to be a better person. And never have I seen a relationship quite like Phyllis and Buford’s. While I’m so incredibly sad for all of us that have to make do without her, I feel happy that they are together again. Deepest sympathy Bill, Tom, Donny & families – May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Sherry Oster says
To the Griffin Family;
I am so sorry for your loss. What a “Classy Lady,” Phyllis was. I just loved getting to go to Bufford and Phyllis’ home for 4-H. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Arn, Connie, Joel Huseby says
What a sweet person…will miss her much.
Joe and Cathi Peila says
We are so sorry for your loss. Love and prayers to all.
Maureen Larson says
So sorry for your loss. God bless you all!
PAT HERZOG says
We’re so sorry for another big loss in your family..we’ll be praying for all of you during this difficult time..she was a great lady and Will be missed in this community…love and prayers to all of you…Monte and Pat Herzog
Peggy Redman and Earl Mortensen says
We are very sorry to hear of your great loss. The world has lost a wonderful lady and a caring heart. Today we all share in your sorrow. Praying you will find hope in His promises. May the loving thoughts and heartfelt prayers of others bring you comfort now and in the days ahead.
Wes and Mary Burley says
Phyllis was such a special lady and loved by everyone who knew her. We will always remember her beautiful sweet smile and how she would welcome everyone into her home. May you find peace and comfort knowing that you grief is shared by so many others. Phyllis will be sorely missed but we were thinking Buford welcomed her with open loving arms. God bless you all at this difficult time…
Warren Mary and Jimmy Willson says
Bill-Tom-Don and families were so sorry to hear about Phyllis, she truly was a wonderful person she always had time for everyone, she will be missed by all that knew her. What a wonderful example of how to be the best you can be in life Her and Buford set for all. They are together again.
JEAN BROWN says
We have lost a friend. Kind, caring, loving, generous. a wonderful MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, GREAT GRANDMOTHER to all you kids. Phylis was a model of all that is good in the world..She will be missed by us all. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jim and Marilyn May says
Bill, Tom, Donny and all your families and Phyllis’s extended families—-we so share your loss of one wonderful woman. There is no one like her, but each day may you have such wonderful memories of her love for each of you and so many happy, super, great times to remember. May God comfort all of our heavy hearts with the reassurance of Phyllis with Buford and waiting for the rest of us. Our love to all of you—Marilyn and Jim
Tanya Kellogg (Leland) says
Phyllis was such a wonderful lady, we were so sad to hear of her passing. Sending love and prayers to you all!
Clara jo says
What a wonderful lady ! Heaven gained an Angel !! God Bless
Debi Willson says
Phyllis was one of a kind…..they broke the mold after her. I have so many wonderful memories, she was always full of fun, always had time for you no matter how busy she was. She was with me on the saddest night of my life, when Dad passed away, and I’ll never forget how I appreciated that. Her big heart and beautiful smile will be missed by us all. What an example of a life well lived! I’m so sad that we have to go on without her, but I’m happy to think of the reunion in heaven, I know Buford was waiting at the gate. Bill, Tom, Donny and families you have suffered terrible losses this year,my heart breaks for you. May God hold you close and help you find comfort in the days ahead. My love to you all.
Dave & Helen Baldwin says
Living so close to Buford & Phyllis while growing up was a wonderful treat. We’ll miss those dancing eyes & infectious laughter. There is most certainly another angel looking after us! “But I will sing of your strength and revel at dawn in your kindness; You have been my stronghold,my refuge in the day of distress” Psalm 59:17 Blessings to your Family. Dave & Helen
Pam & Karl Rogge says
Our prayers and condolences to you at this time, Phyllis was a wonderful lady who will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know her. May you find comfort in the many good memories.
Greg & Lisa Klevgard says
What a gem of a neighbor. One of the first person I got to know moving to Eastern Montana. Blessings to her whole family!
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time. Phyllis was such a joy to be around. Her beautiful smile and big heart will be missed by so many of us, whose lives she touched. You are now with your beloved Buford, Rest In Peace sweet lady.
Deb Bartholomew says
Bill, Tom, Donnie & Pam and Family:
Sorry to hear about the loss of Phyllis. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. Phyllis will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Terri & Rocky says
It was a great honor to have known this lady….. I looked forward to many chats every time we happened to cross paths. Our Thoughts & Prayers go out to Phyllis’ family and many people who were blessed to know her.
Linda and Richard Meidinger says
So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
May she rest in peace.
Wendy Ambrose says
I so enjoyed our visits to Montana and the ranch. My mom and dad, Larye and Mae Ambrose, loved our trips out to see dad’s Montana cousins! We had lots of laughs and felt welcomed each time by wonderful people like Phyllis and Buford. Our prayers are with you at this time of loss. May God provide you strength and blessings in the midst of a tough time. Phyllis had a big heart, strong appreciation for her home and family and a ready sense of humor!
Lloyd & Betty Carroll says
Bill, Tom, Donny and families, We share in your loss of Phyllis, and our heartfelt sympathy to all of you. She was loved and admired by all who knew her. We have so many good memories of times we shared with Phyllis and Buford. Our thoughts and prayers to all of her family.
Bill and Bonnie Ambrose says
I have fond memories of our visits to our Montana relatives. Phyllis and Buford always remind me of salt of the earth people, hard working loving and strong. My one regret is that our visits were too seldom and too short. Phyllis had a kind heart that was evident the minute you met Her and full of fun and Joy. That is what I remember most! Our prayers go out to all the family God bless you all.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
It is so hard to say good-by to a Mom and Grandma. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful lady.
Arlen & Alice Miller says
Our heartfelt sympathy to you all, Did not know her very good , but always thought a lot of her and the family, Our prayers are with you all,
Garryn Tvedt says
Dear Griffin Family ~
My heartfelt condolences to you all. Phyllis has such a light about her that even not knowing her very well, you could see and feel the love in her heart! That light continues in each of you. My the Lord comfort each of you as you go through this difficult time. My prayers are with you.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Kyla Kennedy says
So very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Phyllis was a very kind and special lady. She will be missed.
June & Pete Minow says
The Griffin Family: I’m so sorry for your loss. Phyllis and I both graduated from high school with the class of ’49. She was a very nice person then and always. It was fun to visit with her throughout the years when we would see each other in town. My prayers are with you at this sad time. June Minow
Gail & Norm Stevens says
Bill, Tom, Donny and your families,
We are so saddened by the loss of your mom. Phyllis was such a wonderful special lady. I so admired her. She was always such a happy positive person, and always interested in what you were doing. Also, what a wonderful cook she was. I have so many fond memories of when I was very young and getting to stay with her and Buford when my folks were busy haying. She was a beautiful lady on the inside and out, and is going to be missed by so many of us. Our deepest Sympathy and Love to all of you. Gail and Norm
Deb Burk Glauch says
She was one of the finest women I have ever met. A role model for all of us and I am blessed to have had her in my life, if even for a short time. Prayers and thoughts go out to all the family.
Leon and Ruby Holman says
.Ruby and I are so sorry to hear about the loss of Phyllis. We so enjoyed seeing her on our visits . She was Leon’s favorite cousin. We envied her way of life .
Leon and Ruby Holman
Seqttle
Karla & Barney Murnin says
We are so sorry for your loss. We are grateful for our opportunities to interact with Phyllis and know this last several months have presented you all with much change and adjustment. We, too, are praying that you will experience much joy from the memories, strength and wisdom during your transition and peace for the journey ahead.
Mary Baldwin Snyder says
Bill, Tom, Don and families;
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Phyllis. She indeed was a great woman. She had a special gift of making people feel like they were most important to her. The times that I’ve seen her since I moved away, she always remembered me and gave me a big hug. I still remember the smell in her kitchen when we’d come over after school for a treat – I especially remember her maple bars!! Know that your families are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Kathy Bird (Urick) says
I am so sorry to hear about Phyllis. Her generous, caring heart and sweet spirit made her a true light to everyone she was around. She and Buford were both a true example of always being there for family, neighbors and friends. They were loved and respected by many.
“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. “ John 14:2
God has a beautiful ranch mansion prepared for Buford and Phyllis. They will be missed.