Phyllis J. Brunkow Jones

Phyllis was the youngest of four girls born to William Robert Brunkow and Mary Elizabeth Jackman Brunkow in Lincoln, Nebraska, on October 24, 1939. Phyllis was the first in her family to complete a college education, earning her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Nebraska.

Phyllis was married to Lt. Col. Ricker Hughes Jones for 53 years. They lived in numerous cities across the country, and Phyllis loved living a life of an Air Force officer's wife. During their assignment overseas, Phyllis was the star of an English language instructional program on NHK national radio in Toyko, Japan. There, she also produced several record albums of English instruction. Phyllis had a beautiful singing voice, which, along with her piano playing, always provided a festive spirit to the home or a comforting sound to her children.

Following their time in the military, Phyllis and her family moved to Spokane, Washington, in 1978. There, she continued to enjoy being a full time mother and grandmother. Phyllis also found joy in traveling with her husband, shopping, and fashion, but most of all, spending time with her six grandchildren. Phyllis had a sharp wit and was extremely clever and charming; with Phyllis, you were always in for a laugh.

Phyllis is survived by her husband and three children, Gretchen Nanette Jones (Thomas) Millender, Allison Elizabeth Jones (Robert) Sahr, and William Ricker (Holly Wysaske) Jones. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Joshua Hedman, Brandon Sahr, Emily Sahr, Sara Sahr, Victor Jones, and Ricker Jones.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, September 28, 2012, from 3:00-7:00 pm at Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home. Services will be held on Saturday at 2:00 pm at South Hill Bible Church, 958 East 29th Ave.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Spokane at P.O. Box 2215, Spokane, WA, 99210.