Phyllis Spencer

After 101 years filled with love, faith and service, Phyllis Greene Spencer passed away peacefully on November 7, 2011. Phyllis was born on February 11, 1910 in Magrath, Alberta, Canada, the fourth child of Nymphus Jay and Ida Jerusha Smith Greene. She had a wonderful childhood with her siblings: Eula, Lyle, Beth, Darrel, and Merril. She also had two siblings who died in infancy, Adeline and Eugene. Phyllis married Orson Daniel Spencer on July 25, 1942. Together they raised five children: Patricia (Roger DeBry), Daniel (Louise), Stephen (Jill), Nancy (Bruce Woodbury) and Julie (Russell Bernard). Phyllis was a selfless mother, teaching her children by example the principles of hard work, sacrifice and service. Phyllis leaves behind a wonderful legacy for her 25 grandchildren and 58 great-grandchildren. Phyllis was a full-time mother when her children were small, but also had an interesting and varied career. From 1931 to 1942, she worked in purchasing under three different governors at the Utah State Capitol. She spent 11 years working at the Ken Garff Insurance and Deseret Livestock. She also worked at KSL, the Jewish Community Center and CR England Trucking. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Phyllis treasured her pioneer heritage. She served in many capacities, including as an extraction worker and librarian, in the Nursery and Primary and in the Salt Lake Temple. Her testimony of Jesus Christ shone in her face and her actions. Phyllis always looked for the positive in life and taught her family to do the same. She radiated sunshine and serenity and had a heart full of gratitude. She was kind and patient, even when she did not feel well. She lived independently until she was over 100 and had an amazing memory. She took good care of her health, taking daily walks until the last year of her life. Phyllis loved nature and enjoyed hiking and camping. She also loved music and the arts; one of her favorite things was to hear her family sing to her. Phyllis is now enjoying a grand reunion with Orson, who passed away in 1983. She was also preceded in death by her parents, siblings, granddaughter Christine Spencer and grandson Richard Spencer. Funeral services will be held on November 12, 2011 at 11:00 am at Ensign Stake Center on A Street and Third Avenue. A viewing will be held from 6:30pm to 8:00pm on Friday November 11, 2011 at Russon Mortuary, 255 South 200 East in Salt Lake City and on Saturday November 12 from 9:45am to 10:45am at the Ensign Stake Center. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery.