Charlene A. 'Shonnie' Phillips

    Charlene "Shonnie" Phillips 90 of Lewistown died early Thursday morning, September 6^th, 2018 in the Central Montana Medical Center of natural causes. She was born June 29, 1928 in Butte, America. The daughter of Harry and Laura (Rivenes) Richter. During Shonnie's early years the family moved to several cities in Montana including Miles City, Livingston, East Helena and eventually Bozeman which she always thought of as home. During one summer season she worked at Old Faithful at Yellowstone Park where she had many wonderful memories. She attended public schools in Bozeman graduating from Bozeman High and from Montana State College in Bozeman with a degree in business administration. It was while she was attending college Shonnie met the love of her life, Sam Phillips, who had returned from service in the Navy during World War II. Sam and Shonnie were married July 21, 1950 in Bozeman. Their marriage lasted 64 years. Following the wedding the couple moved to Lewistown where they lived at their cattle ranch north of Lewistown in the South Moccasin Mountains. Mom always prepared wonderful meals for the family and hired workers who ate around the same small table in the kitchen.

     Shonnie was a past officer of the PEO organization for women and a member of Zion Lutheran Church. She was also active in a local bridge club in Lewistown and met many life-long loyal friends who made her life all the more special. A fun group called the ‘dizzy dozen' that gathered annually at Bozeman which was made up of friends during her time at high school and college in Bozeman. Mom was a ready listener and frequently offered wise advice when needed most as a loving mother and devoted wife. She was not one to tolerate prejudice or bigotry of any kind.

     Shonnie is survived by sons Sam (Christine) and Todd (Nancy) all of Lewistown and Mike (Debbie) of Billings; one brother Mick (Anne) Richter of Oakland, CA; 3 granddaughters Kacey (Shelby) of Sioux Falls, SD, Koley (Jamie) of Hamilton, MT, Dani of Hardin, MT and 2 grandsons Landon (Megan) and Keelan both of Billings, MT; seven great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

   A memorial service was held at the family ranch on Monday, September 10^th, 2018 with Pastor Lynne Ogren leading the ceremony. At her request cremation has taken place with the Cloyd Funeral Home assisting the family.

     The family takes comfort in the belief that mom was a woman of faith in the love of God in Christ and that she passed from this world to the eternal into his loving care and that she is again reunited with her beloved husband Sam.

     Memorials are suggested to the Hospice Care at the Central Montana Medical Center, Zion Lutheran Church, or to the charity of your choice and they may be left at Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.

She will be missed.