Margery Helen Phillips (née Greene) departed this life on November 19th, 2015. She was born on August 5, 1925, in La Grande, Oregon to Phoebe Ruth Smith Greene and Robert Rex Greene. She was the second of four children.

As as young lady, Margery decided to follow in the footsteps of her grandmother and her mother, both of whom were dedicated teachers. In 1943 Margery began classes in Education at Eastern Washington State College in Cheney, Washington. While in college, she met Kenneth Wade Phillips, a military pilot recently returned from serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps. 1947 was an eventful year for Margery. In the spring, she graduated with a degree in Education and then, on July 20, she and Ken were united in marriage in La Grande, OR. By the end of the year the newlyweds had moved to Ken’s family’s ranch in the Aladdin Valley near Colville, and Margery began her teaching career.

The following year, the Phillips welcomed their first of three children, Craig Dennis, followed by William Judd and Scott David. Ken and Margery raised their sons with a industrious yet kindhearted spirit. In 1972 the family moved into a white farm house on Spanish Prairie Road near Colville, WA.

Margery fully participated in life. For over 60 years, Ken and Margery were faithful and active members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Colville. She sang in the church’s choir as well as with the Elks Club choir – The Choraliers. Singing, listening to music and playing the piano were amongst her life pleasures.

Margery and Ken created beautiful and meaningful friendships with many people.These friendships lasted for a lifetime.

Margery taught library, education and music at Aster Elementary School and was a long-time member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society – a professional honorary society of women educators.

In 1986 she retired from teaching but not from learning. Every day

Margery completed the Spokesman Review’s crossword puzzle. Often she could be found enjoying a book. She and Ken traveled to Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas, making friends around the globe.

In the early part of 2015 Margery moved to Vashon Island, Washington, very near her youngest son Scott, his wife, Michelle, and their menagerie of animals in whose company Margery thoroughly delighted.

Margery was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, her brother, Norman and her grandson, Daniel.

Margery is survived and already is missed by her three sons Craig (Debby) Phillips of Spokane, WA Judd (Kathi) of Colville, WA and Scott (Michelle) Phillips of Vashon Island, WA, two of her siblings, Dorothy Burton of Santa Cruz, CA, and Stanley Greene of Renton, WA, four grandchildren, Anna Phillips, Sarah Wallace, Peter Phillips and Kendra Phillips, one great-grandaughter, Madison Wallace, and many loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in the spring at St. Paul Lutheran Church, in Colville, WA. Details will be published at a later date.

Contributions may be made to Vashon Community Care, or the Vashon Island Pet Protectors.

Please visit our online guestbook at www.islandfuneral.com

Paid Obituary.