Edith May Phillips
Ronan, MT. – On August 2, 2008, God put his loving arms around Edith and lifted her to rest in her heavenly home. At the tender age of 92, Edith passed from this life due to a sudden illness.  Her daughter Joyce and son-in-law Jason were at her side.  Edith, the daughter of Andrew Jackson and Rosa Evans Hoke, was born November 30, 1915, in Gravette, Arkansas. It was during her childhood in Gravette that she met her future husband, Alvan Woodrow Phillips. They married in Bentonville, Arkansas and remained together for 64 years until his death in 1998. During this time, they lived in Arkansas, California, and New Mexico until finally settling in Twin Falls, Idaho where they remained for 26 years.
Edith always appreciated the beauty of God’s creations, the mountains, farmland, lakes and wildlife that surrounded her, particularly during the last years of her life when she lived in Vermont, then Montana. She shared her love of flowers by creating fabric “flower pictures” then distributing them to family and friends. She continued making flowers until she passed away.  Edith loved being surrounded by children. She had taught Sunday School and been co-leader of a Cub Scout Troop and Campfire Girls. When her children were teens, it was not unusual to find a group of their friends gathered at her house after church for homemade pizza and cookies. Everyone enjoyed her good sense of humor and hospitality. She loved having her grandchildren stay with her on the farm during the summer and left them with many good memories.
“Granny”, as she was known to her family and many friends, became an avid bowler during her early senior years, and earned many pins, ribbons and awards for her skill. She looked forward to her weekly trips with “Al” to meet with their friends at the bowling alleys in Twin.  Thankfully, Edith continued to be active until the Lord took her, walking and climbing stairs unaided every day. She loved to listen to country and gospel music and could often be seen tapping her foot to the beat. Once in awhile the music would move her to dance what she called her “jig”.
Being a faithful Christian and a good mother were of utmost importance to Edith. She spent her life dedicated to the Lord and her family. Edith was a member of the First Baptist Church, Polson, Montana and a former member of the Church of the Nazarene in Twin Falls.  Survivors include her brother Lewie Hoke of Gravette, AR and her sister Lucille Wise of Sebastapol, CA. She is also survived by her children, Carolyn Joyce (Jason) Newton, Ronan, MT; Terry Alvan (Yvonne) Phillips, Williamsburg, VA; and Rosalie Mae (Wilbur) Woods, Owyhee, NV; grandchildren Amy (Mike) Hallett, Heidi (Eric) Jett, Danielle George, Janique, Rikki and Juliann Woods, Luke and Matthew Phillips, Susan Cowley, Sherri (Jesse) Schear, Lisa Wilson, and Margaret Hackett; her “adopted  grandson” Jeff Martin; 9 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.   Edith was preceded in death by her husband Alvan, her infant children Ronnie Dee and Treasa, and eldest daughter Iona Arlene Hackett; infant grandson Bruce Echevarren; her parents, and sisters Irene and Ethel.
A private family graveside service will be held Monday, August 11, 2008, at Sunset Memorial Park, in Twin Falls. Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home of Polson, Montana.