Phyllis Strother

Phyllis Joy Strother March 1931 ~ January 2018 Much loved mother and grandmother, Phyllis passed away peacefully on January 29, 2018. She was a strong and determined woman, which served her well as she battled her disease for the past three years. She was born in Ord, Nebraska to Anna and Ben Dahlin. As a young girl, the family moved to Parker, Washington and the Yakima Valley became her forever home. She attended Parker Elementary School and Wapato High School. Phyllis met and began dating her future husband Stanley while still in high school. Upon their marriage in 1951, they moved to Yakima where they raised three children. Some of her favorite activities included a good game of tennis, playing bridge, gardening (she could not abide any weeds in the yard), searching the local hillsides for agates with Stan, hiking (which gradually became neighborhood walks), weekly coffee with friends, and best of all, traveling the world with family and friends. She was an amazing cook and baker of pies, and always willing to test new recipes. Lucky us! During her lifetime, Phyllis was active in many organizations, including the Women’s Century Guild, the Leslie Loudon Guild, Back Stage for the Capitol Theater, and the Yakima Tennis Club. She served as a trustee for the Washington Governor’s Mansion and as a deacon at Grace of Christ Church. She also enjoyed working as a manager at the Yakima Nordstrom. It was a huge disappointment to her when the store closed. Phyllis is preceded in death by her husband Stanley and son Mark. She is survived by daughters Jill (Paul Strohmeier), Nancy Strother, 4 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, her brother Ronald Dahlin and sister Kathryn Hinkley. We are grateful beyond words to her friends, family and neighbors who extended kindness and support throughout her journey. Especially to her sister Kathryn, who was there every step of the way. We would like to express our thanks and appreciation to Dr. Silvia Labes, North Star Lodge, and Cottage in the Meadow for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, we suggest contributions be made to the Dr. Mark Strother Scholarship Endowment at Washington State University. WSU Foundation P.O. Box 641927 Pullman, WA. 99164-1927 A celebration of Phyllis’s life will be held Monday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m. in the Garden Room at Grace of Christ Church, Yakima. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Phyllis Strother, please visit our flower store.