Janice Roberta Phillips

Janice “Jan” Roberta (Byars) Phillips passed away on January 31, 2025, at the age of 87, in Auburn, Washington. She was born on January 10, 1938, in Alamosa, Colorado, and was raised in Denver and Wheat Ridge—places she always considered home.

Jan graduated from Wheat Ridge High School and went on to study music at Westmont College, where she focused on piano. Her love of music became a lifelong expression of both joy and faith. Wherever there was a choir, Jan was enthusiastically involved—singing, accompanying, arranging, or directing..

In December 1959, Jan married Charles “Chuck” D. Phillips. Together they built a life rooted in Christian faith and devotion to family. They raised three children—Wendie, Jill, and Zack—instilling in them values of kindness, faith, curiosity, and service.

Jan’s life was firmly centered on her Christian faith. Alongside Chuck, she owned and operated The Ark Christian Bookstore in Denver, Colorado.

She will be remembered for her joyful playing of hymns, time spent in her garden, and her many creative pursuits, including sewing, quilting, crocheting, and crafting. Jan also had a fondness for sports cars, devotion to Colorado sports teams (Go Broncos!), and a lifelong love of Colorado’s natural beauty.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, John Bert Byars and Elizabeth “Betty” (MaGee) Byars; her beloved husband, Charles “Chuck” Phillips; and her brother, David Byars.

She is survived by her three children: Wendie Phillips, Jill Phillips, and Zack Phillips (wife Robbie); and her three grandchildren: Anna Degnin (husband Patrick Smiley), Ian Degnin, and Alexander “Xander” Degnin.