Jan passed away peacefully in Puyallup at the age of 85 on July 14, 2021 with her family by her side. She fought a short battle with cancer and lung infections before her body said enough.
Born to Frank and Mary Rice in 1935 and raised in Auburn WA, she remained in the surrounding area while also traveling to Arizona for 17 years of Snowbird runs.
Married in 1955, she spent 62 years with the love of her life Robert “Bob” Phillips before his passing in 2017. They raised their family in Federal Way, and her pride and joy were her 4 kids. She was a homemaker extraordinaire who excelled at managing the household finances, working part time, juggling the needs of 4 children and keeping the family and home organized. While Bob was the main provider, Jan was the glue that held the family together while also serving lunches to kids in the Federal Way school district.
Jan loved to read books (Fabio shoutout), casino visits, RVing and motorcycling with Bob, and listening to Sinatra or Big Band music.
She is survived by her children –Abbot Theodore (aka Scott), Chris (Mary Rooney), Doni (Bobette Stover), Teri Palmer (Dewayne Clifton), 6 grandkids, 9 great grandkids, brother Frank Rice (Charlaine), cousins, nieces, nephews, and longtime friends who were dearly loved. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved baby sister, Mickie Vander Waal.
Special thanks to Dr Marc Aversa, and the caring staff at Rainier Rehab Center.
Funeral mass to be held on July 23, 2021 – 11:00 AM at Holy Family Parish in Auburn with a reception to follow. Her ashes will be interred at Tahoma National Cemetery with her husband.