On June 12, 2017, Carolyn Phillips peacefully passed into heaven at the age of 78 after a struggle with Lewy Body Dementia. She was surrounded by her loved ones and the caring staff of Ruby House in Great Falls, Montana.
Carolyn Jane Droppers was born on December 3, 1938 in Bozeman to Albert and Irma Droppers. She arrived earlier than anyone expected, and was such a tiny baby that she could easily fit into a shoebox. Because of her size combined with chicken pox in the home, she spent many of her first days in the hospital. Before long though, she was welcomed home by her parents and siblings, Leonard and Pat. The Droppers family became whole when Carolyn got to call David and Larry her little brothers.
As a young child, she was spoiled by her Daddy, loved her big sister with all her heart even despite the moments they didn’t get along, and loved being a sister. She also could be found teaching her dolls, sometimes in a stern teacherly way that her future children and grandchildren would come to know well.
After finishing high school, Carolyn moved to Dillon to attend Western Montana College with the intent to become a teacher. She worked in the campus cafeteria, and it was there that her life would change forever. In the spring of 1958, a handsome young man with striking blue eyes fresh from the Navy appeared while she was working. She discovered his name was Ray after casually asking around about him, and eventually, she gathered up the courage to approach him to request his accompaniment to an upcoming dance. The man agreed, and the two would find an unending love from that day forward.
Carolyn moved to Livingston to student teach while Ray stayed in Dillon to complete his own studies. The time apart was not an easy task for either of them, but frequent letters were exchanged to fill in the absence. They were soon reunited in their love, marrying in the Presbyterian Church in Manhattan on June 6, 1959.
On April 8, 1960, Ray and Carolyn welcomed their first daughter, Laurie into the world in Dillon. Soon after, Ray accepted a job in the small town of White Sulphur Springs and the family of three relocated to the town that they would call home. A second daughter, Cheri joined the trio on January 10, 1962, and Jason, the third and final child completed their family when he arrived on February 27, 1967.
Carolyn began working as a teacher’s aide before joining the kitchen staff in the school cafeteria. She later became the Head Cook, a position she held until she retired. Carolyn loved her job working in the schools, and she believed her kitchen skills would never be what they were without the wisdom and advice of her sister Pat. Her reputation as a fabulous cook bloomed in the community, but it was her smile and kind heart that cemented the love so many had for her.
Carolyn enjoyed cooking and baking, playing cards, and spending time with her grandchildren. When the grandchildren were younger, she helped to make their summers memorable, frequently involving sprinklers, the library, and ice cream to thoroughly spoil them, but always early enough to not spoil their dinners.
Carolyn is survived by her sister Pat Cooper of Bozeman, brother David (Joan) Droppers of Bozeman, and sister-in-law, Judy Droppers of New Plymouth, Idaho; children Laurie Johnson of Great Falls, Cheri Phillips of Missoula, and Jason (Laura) Phillips of White Sulphur Springs; grandchildren, Tiffany (Craig) Sweeney of Great Falls, Aimee (Terianne) Phillips of Phoenix, Arizona, Bon Phillips and Evan Wolf of Missoula, and Joshua, Alannah, and Matthew Phillips of White Sulphur Springs; and great grandchildren, Cooper and Jilian Sweeney of Great Falls.
She is preceded in death by parents Albert and Irma Droppers, brothers Leonard Kelly and Larry Droppers, brother-in-law George Cooper, son-in-law Wayne Johnson, and her husband of 52 years, Joseph Ray Phillips.
A Memorial Service is planned for 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at the Yoked Parish Church in White Sulphur Springs, followed by burial at Mayn Cemetery and a reception at the Yoked Parish Church. Memorials can be sent to Dutton State Bank P.O. Box 569 White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645 for the Ray and Carolyn Phillips Memorial Scholarship (formerly the Ray Phillips Memorial Scholarship).
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Carolyn.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 21, 2017
Yoked Parish Church
411 E Jefferson St.
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Burial
After the service
Wednesday June 21, 2017
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
After the Burial
Wednesday June 21, 2017
Yoked Parish Church
411 E Jefferson St.
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 21, 2017
Yoked Parish Church
411 E Jefferson St.
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Burial
After the service
Wednesday June 21, 2017
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
After the Burial
Wednesday June 21, 2017
Yoked Parish Church
411 E Jefferson St.
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
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Peter Horton says
I was deeply saddened when I learned of the passing of a friend from long ago. I recall the many fun times the Phillips and Horton families had at back yard cook-outs, picnics, church activities and making music. These activities took place during the 1960’s and saw the completion of our families as well. Rest in peace Ray and Carolyn.
Pete Horton and Adona, Leslie, Stacy, and Sonvje
Lisa Bond says
Cheri, Laurie and Jason – I am so sorry for the loss of your Mother – Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim Smith says
A sweet wonderful woman. She was always so gracious and kind when I was in their home. She and Ray raised some awesome children, one being one of my besties to this day.