Phyllis Marie Spotts (née Nash), born to Royal Anthony Goldhammer Nash and Mary LaRue in Hood River, Oregon, on May 17th, 1942, led a life marked by faith, resilience, and dedication. She passed away on May 4th, 2024, at her family home, her husband Ken and his daughter, Karen, by her side, after bravely battling cancer, just a couple of weeks shy of her 82nd birthday.
Phyllis cherished the bond with her parents and her brothers, Marvin and Norman. She fondly remembered her father's devotion to his family and his harmonica tunes that filled their home with warmth. Her mother's commitment to being present for her children left a lasting impression.
In her formative years, Phyllis developed lifelong friendships, notably with Shirley Bowser (née Walker), with whom she shared countless cherished memories, from band concerts to bike rides. Her high school years were marked by academic success, graduating among the top of her class and earning a place in the honor society.
After high school, she got serious about seeking the Lord because she got the feeling that if she didn’t make it a priority now, she may never do it. She read the Bible every day and prayed all summer long under the shade of the apple tree in her backyard. One day she was reading an article that quoted the verse, “He that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). She thought, “I have been coming unto you all summer long. You have not cast me out, that means I belong to you.”
As she pondered her next steps in life, another scripture became very meaningful to her: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6). The meditation of her heart became, “Okay, Lord, I am acknowledging you. I am expecting you to direct my path, as you’ve promised.” A string of events led her to Northwestern School of Commerce where she gained skills in typing, shorthand, and bookkeeping, and embarked on a professional journey that would span decades.
Phyllis's career was marked by resilience and determination. From her tenure at Equitable Life Assurance to a brief role at KPDQ, a Christian radio station, she demonstrated proficiency and dedication in the face of job loss and professional challenges.
When her time at KPDQ was cut short, she found herself on jury duty. She asked God, “Why are you having me be on jury duty when you know I need to find a job?” One day she walked down the hall and saw a notice about a test that Multnomah County was offering to qualify secretaries. She took the test and got a great score!
Her eventual role at the Multnomah County Public Guardian and Conservator's Office became a testament to her compassion and commitment to serving others. During this time, she also spent several years as a hospice volunteer, both because she wanted to find a way to be of practical service to those in need, and to prepare her for caring for her own parents in their sunset years.
Phyllis thrived in her role at Multnomah County, advocating for disabled individuals and providing unwavering support until her retirement at age 62.
The timing of her retirement was fortuitous as it soon brought the opportunity to care for her aging parents. Her father, Royal, passed away in May of 2000. Shortly after, she reconnected with her high school crush, Ken Spotts, in 2001. This rekindled connection blossomed into a partnership marked by mutual respect, shared values, and enduring commitment that would last the rest of her life.
Together, Ken and Phyllis cared for Phyllis’ mother, Mary, during her final years. This was a significant ministry during which the Lord used Phyllis’ extensive skills and devotion to care for Mary until her passing in June of 2013.
Phyllis touched the lives of many with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith. She will be dearly missed by her beloved husband Ken and his children, which she loved as her own, as well as her brother Marvin and his wife Lovena, extended family, and numerous neighbors and church members with whom she fostered an intimate community. In her passing, she leaves behind a testament to the faithfulness of the Lord and has entered into His loving presence.
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