Karen Mae Phillips

Karen Mae (Thurber) Phillips, a longtime resident of Spokane Valley, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2017. She was born in Spokane on November 27, 1946 to Oakley Alvin Thurber and Ella Mae (Woodard) Thurber. She graduated from University High School in 1965. She later married Donald N. Phillips of Harrington, WA on June 16, 1973. They built their home and operated the Phillips family farm for several years in Harrington, where they raised their 3 children, Sheila, Teresa, and Christopher. She had a true passion for cooking, sewing, traveling, was an avid reader, and loved spending time visiting with friends and family. In 1994, she and Don moved into their home in Spokane Valley.

Throughout her life, Karen loved to be involved in many organizations including PEO, PTA, American Heart Association, and being an active member of both Newcomers and the Elks Lodge.

Karen is survived by her loving family, including her husband Don, daughters Sheila Brown of Spokane, and Teresa Hatten of Post Falls, ID, son Christopher (and Cara) Phillips of Davenport, WA; brother Kevin Thurber of Lewiston, ID; stepson Scott Phillips of Seattle, WA; granddaughters Katelyn (and Cameron) Jarman, Amanda Rowe, Karlie Murphy, Isabelle and Lola Phillips; great-grandchildren Jonah, Amiah, and Ariel.

All are invited to celebrate Karen's life, Friday September 22nd at 12:00pm, Hazen and Jaeger Valley Funeral Home, 1306 North Pines Road, Spokane Valley, WA, with a reception to follow at Elks Lodge, 2605 N. Robie Road, Spokane Valley. Contributions may be made in Karen’s honor to the American Lung Association.