January 10, 1942 – June 3, 2024
Barbara Diane Phillips of Weiser, Idaho, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2024, in Boise. She was born on January 10, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, to Bernice and Wilson (Willie) Noble.
Barbara spent her childhood in Bellevue, Washington. Many cherished memories were made camping in the mountains with her parents and siblings, Judy, and David, at Alta Lake. Barbara’s equal love for the ocean began in her early years, as she enjoyed clam digging with her father on Copalis Beach and visiting her grandparents’ beach house in Depoe Bay, Oregon. Early morning walks on Lincoln Beach and agate hunting became her favorite pastimes, a tradition she passed on to her children and her niece. Her love of both the mountains and the beach was constant throughout her life.
Barbara attended Bellevue High School. It was there, on a school bus at the age of 14, that she met the love of her life, Raymond Phillips. Her beautiful brown hair, big blue eyes and a black tweed coat were for Ray, love at first sight. They were destined to marry on May 9, 1959, creating a love and legacy that spanned over 65 wonderful years together.
Ray’s Navy service took him to Hawaii shortly after their first child, Dan, was born. Barbara sold her car so that she could follow him to the beaches of Honolulu. They eventually returned to Bellevue, where they expanded their family with three more children: DeAnne, Doug, and David. The family later moved to Payette, Idaho, where Ray became a produce salesman, allowing them to spend their summers camping along the shores of Lost Lake during the off-season. Ray and Barb moved to Weiser eventually and that was her home at the time of her death.
Barbara’s passion for RVing continued throughout her life. She delighted in making root beer floats for her grandchildren during family camping trips. In their retirement, Barbara and Ray served as camp hosts throughout the Northwest and for many summers they could be found at Ponderosa State Park in McCall, Idaho.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings. She is survived by her husband, Ray and his sister Chris, her children Dan and wife Dana, DeAnne and husband John, Doug and wife Laura, and David and wife Laura, 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and other special relatives. Barb’s dog, Tinker, will miss her warm lap and gentle hand. Along with her husband and her children, Barbara’s niece Teresa Hamsher, who was like a daughter, was by her side at her passing.
Barbara was a “mom” to many as her love for her kids’ friends was apparent. Just in that Christ never prayed for himself but always others, Barbara led her life that way and always put others first. Barbara’s infectious laughter, her love for root beer floats, and red vine licorice will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
As she started and spent her life on the beach and in the mountains, Barbara’s family will celebrate her privately in the coming months in those places she loved the most. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Angel Wings Network, Inc. whose support was invaluable. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Zachary Benson for his friendship and compassion and the staff at St. Luke’s Hospital in both Fruitland and Boise for their incredible care.
