Obituary: Lee (Buck) Phillips - Class of 1955

FROMBERG, MONTANA - Lee Phillips of Fromberg lost her battle with cancer on the evening of June 2, 2002, surrounded by her family and friends, at her home in Fromberg.

Lee was born Sept. 4, 1937, one of six children to Ronald and Cecelia Buck. Lee graduated from Madison Central High School in Madison, Wis., in 1955; also in 1955, she married Robert Phillips. Lee received a degree in commercial art from the University of Madison.

Lee enjoyed many talents and had a passion for gardening and crossword puzzles. Lee moved to Fromberg in 1969, and worked various jobs, from the furniture factory in Bridger to tending bar at Miller's, Aldo's and the Little Cowboy in Fromberg. Lee always had a pot of coffee on and a conversation for anyone.

 Lee is survived by her sister Sally (John) McSherry of Ridgeway, Wis., Kay Jacobs of Key West, Fla., Janice (Phil) Lindemann, Madison; brother Daniel (Ruth) Buck of Madison; three sons, David (Sheryl) Phillips, Laurel, Robert A. Phillips, Billings, and Rodger E. Phillips, Fromberg; two daughters, Linda (Carl) Bridges, Casa Grande, Ariz., and Sheri (Tony) Spahr, Battle Creek Mich.; eight grandchildren, Jamie and Jodi Newsome, Casey Phillips, Andrew and Samuel Phillips, Anthony and Daniel Spahr, and Tucker Phillips.

 Lee was preceded in death by her parents; one sister Mary Lou Cooney; one daughter, Lisa Newsome; and one grandson, Daniel Robert Phillips. The life of Lee Phillips will be celebrated June 8, with a graveside service at one of Lee's favorite times of the day, 4 p.m., at Gebo Cemetery north of Fromberg. Cremation has already taken place. A reception will follow in the back yard of Lee's place in Fromberg.

Originally published in The Billings Gazette on June 5, 2002. Submitted by Jan Lindemann (Class of 1969).