Loretta Phillips

Loretta Phillips, 90, Bismarck, ND, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2016, at CHI St. Alexius Health, following a series of illnesses and hospitalizations. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am MT Tuesday, May 3, at St. Mary’s Church in Richardton, ND, with Fr. Thomas Wordekemper as celebrant and Abbot Brian Wangler as concelebrant. There will be no viewing, as cremation has taken place. The family will be receiving guests for visitation at St. Mary’s Church beginning one hour before the Mass. Inurnment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Richardton, immediately following the service. At the time of her inurnment, Loretta will have been baptized, married, and memorialized in the same church. Loretta was born to Casper and Magdalene (Wetzstein) Schmidt in Richardton on January 30, 1926. She was raised and educated in Richardton, graduating from St. Mary’s High School in 1944. Following graduation, she was employed at Geck’s Grocery Store and Klein’s Drug Store & Pharmacy in Richardton. She also spent a year working in a factory in Mansfield, OH, and worked for the Ration Board during World War II. She married John C. Phillips on May 3, 1949. As a devoted wife and mother, she coordinated a very busy home and was committed to her family. She was also a dedicated member of the Catholic Daughters and the Richardton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for 53 years. As the years progressed she also became a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother, adding a special touch to holidays and family events. She always filled the “special requests” for favorite foods and treats. And no birthday, anniversary, or other special event ever went unnoticed…Loretta remembered everything! She raised beautiful flowers and plants, created embroidery masterpieces, was an avid reader, and was a loyal Duke basketball fan. Following her husband John’s death in 2006, she remained in Richardton until 2009, when she moved to Bismarck and purchased a small condo. Her condo was her pride and joy, and she kept it in impeccable condition. As was her wish, she was able to live there independently until her final hospitalization. She was a kind, fun-loving, generous and gracious person, and those qualities remained with her until the end. Loretta will be deeply missed by her daughters, Jane (David) Hoerner, Bismarck, Joliene Howard, Billings, MT, and her son, Gary Phillips, Bismarck; sister, Marcella Lee, Folsom, CA; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Walker, Bismarck, Marie Hooks, Mansfield, OH, and Sharon Phillips, Billings, MT; four grandchildren, Junelle (Guy) Grindberg, Victoria, MN, Ryan (Jody) Hoerner, Bismarck, Sara (Jey) Tullius, Ft. Collins, CO, and Ian (Paula) Howard, Billings, MT; six great-grandchildren, Cole (16), Kyra (14), Lillian (10), Spiridon (8), Gideon (6), and Ethan (15 months). She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents; one sister, Agnes Manwiller; infant brothers, Norman and Roger; one brother-in-law, Raymond Lee; and one son-in-law, Nathan Howard. The family wishes to thank everyone in the CHI St. Alexius system who provided care for Loretta. Special gratitude goes to the TCU and Palliative Care teams, hospitalists, social workers, Home Health, and every member of nursing and ancillary care staff, for the exceptional care during her final days/weeks. Memorials may be given to St. Mary’s Cemetery, Richardton, the Richardton Health Center, or the Assumption Abbey Renovation.