Phyllis Davis Tarter

Phyllis passed away on June 1 in Salem, Oregon, at 94 years of age.

She was born to Phillip and (Mabel) Iona Meeker on January 21, 1931, in Vancouver, Washington. Her family then moved to Amity, Oregon, where she grew up. She graduated from Amity High in 1949. Phyllis attended college at both Stephens College in Missouri and Oregon State University.

Phyllis met her future husband, Royal Dean Tarter, in high school. They continued dating at OSU and married on September6, 1952.

After Royal graduated, they lived in Amity, and later moved to Sacramento, living there while he served 2 years in the Air Force. Upon his discharge they moved to Salem, Oregon, where they lived the rest of their lives. During these years they had three daughters: Teresa, Diane, and Mary Anne.

Phyllis loved her work as an elementary school library assistant. She was dedicated to her church, working tirelessly as Sunday school superintendent, and was active in the church women’s group. For years she oversaw all receptions at the church and was the leader in planning and organizing vacation church school every summer.

Phyllis was a wonderful cook and baker. She liked to read, knit, and sew. She was an excellent seamstress. She also enjoyed singing and sang with a church quintet.

After they both retired, Royal and Phyllis traveled extensively. They took many cruises to foreign countries. This included trips to Australia, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and the Antarctic.

Phyllis was predeceased by her parents, Phillip and Iona, her brother Kenneth, sisters in law June and Bettie, and daughter Mary Anne. She is survived by her brother Anthony (Carolyn), sister Susan (Richard), daughters Teresa (Matthew), Diane, and son in law David (Mary Anne, deceased). Other survivors include grandchildren Elizabeth (Ben), Lauren, and Miles, as well as a great granddaughter and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Phyllis will be held at Morningside United Methodist Church, 3674 12th Street SE, Salem, Oregon, 97302, at 2:00 on June 28, 2025. Private internment to follow the next day.

Donations in memory of Phyllis can be made to Morningside United Methodist Church. The family thanks Bonaventure of Salem Memory Care and Serenity Hospice for their sensitive, excellent care for Phyllis during her last months of life.