Anna Phillips of Salem, Oregon left her earthly home, lovingly surrounded by her family on June 21, 2022. Recitation of the Rosary and the Service will be held at Saint Joseph Catholic Church with Interment at Willamette National Cemetery where Anna will be laid to rest with her dear husband and soulmate of 56 years, Richard D. Phillips.
Anna was born to Lawrence and Della Sowa of Scotts Mills, Oregon the oldest of 13 children. Her parents and grandparents lived on Missouri Ridge in Clackamas County, above Scotts Mills. Anna graduated from Benedictine Preparatory School in Mt. Angel before marrying Richard on December 23, 1953.
Anna and Richard spent over 20 years in the Navy stationed in many locations. They were often in two different parts of the world, thousands of miles apart, and yet somehow, they managed to raise 8 of the 10 children! The two youngest boys were born here in Oregon after Richard retired from the Navy. Anna had children born all over the map including Italy, Texas, Oregon, Hawaii, and California. It’s quite possible that this instilled the desire to travel and experience far places into each of the children’s DNA! In addition to her ever-growing family, Anna forged many lifelong friendships throughout their many travels…she even served as “another mother” to countless other families!
Anna and Richard spent more than 10 years traveling the US in their RV, visiting with family and friends both far and wide. They even spent three months in Europe visiting many countries in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. Anna loved traveling especially with her family and continued many trips after Richard’s passing to the Oregon Coast, Texas, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe. There was no destination too far and her spirit of adventure never waned. Even as mom’s health declined in her later years, it would never deter her from going on another trip. She was simply unstoppable!
Anna is survived by her 10 loving children, William (Marie), John, Julie (Ross), Mary (Ron), Rachelle (Phill), Otis (Rebecca), Regina (Ken), Patty (Brian), Ernest, Joseph (LeAnna). She leaves 23 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, 8 surviving siblings, and many nieces and nephews. Anna was wholeheartedly devoted to her family, her Catholic faith, and always made time for each and every one. She made sure each of her family members knew just how special they were, each in their own way. She always focused on others in the most sincere way. She never knew a stranger and was a loyal and faithful friend to everyone who was fortunate enough to have known her. She leaves behind a powerful legacy which lives on in and through her children and family.
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Travel as much as you can, As far as you can, As long as you can, Life’s not meant to be lived in one place
Travels with Dad & Mom
2001 – Caribbean Cruise – Mom & Dad, Larry & Marie, Lynden, Hillary, Alaina, Julie & Ross, Kara, Leslie, Mary, Jennifer, Rachelle & spouse, Angela, Josh, Ben, Regina & Ken, Janelle, KJ, Patty & spouse, Julia, Hannah
2002 – Cabo, Mexico – Mom & Dad, Julie, Mary, Rachelle, Regina, Patty, Rene
2003 – Europe – Mom & Dad
2004 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Mom & Dad, Rachelle, Patty & Lenora
2005 – Caribbean Cruise – Mom & Dad, Ernie & spouse, Joe & LeAnna
2005 – Caribbean Cruise – Mom & Dad, Regina & Ken, Janelle, KJ, Patty & Brian, Julia, Hannah
2006 – Alaskan Cruise – Mom & Dad, Ernie & spouse
2006 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Mom & Dad, Rachelle, Lenora
Travels with Mom
2010 – Mexican Riveria Cruise – Mom, Regina & Ken, Janelle, KJ, Mary
2010 – Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas – Mom, Patty & Brian, Julia, Hannah, Hunter
2011 – Kauai, Hawaii – Mom, Rachelle & Phil
2011 – Texas – Mom, Patty
2012 – Lewiston, Idaho – Mom, Regina & Ken, Janelle, KJ, Patty & Brian, Hunter
2012 – Dallas, Texas – Mom, Regina & Ken, KJ (Janelle’s Graduation)
2012 – Caribbean Cruise – Mom, Regina & Ken, Janelle, KJ
2014 – Cancun, Mexico – Mom, Regina & Ken, Patty & Brian
2015 – European Cruise – Mom, Regina & Ken, Patty
2015 – Kauai, Hawaii – Mom, Patty & Brian, Julia, Hannah, Hunter, Rachelle & Phill
2015 – Lewiston, Idaho – Mom, Regina & Ken, Janelle, KJ, Patty, Hunter
2016 – Dallas, Texas – Mom, Regina & Ken, Janelle, KJ (Janelle’s Graduation)
2016 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Mom, Regina & Ken, Patty
2019 – Dallas, Texas – Mom, Larry, Julie
2019 – Reno, Nevada – Mom, Rachelle, Regina, Patty
