Elma Irene (Teter) Phillips

Dec. 23, 1918 -- Jan. 15, 2010

Elma Irene (Teter) Phillips was born Dec. 23, 1918, in Frontier County, to Otis Earl and Irene (Mayo) Teter and grew up on the family farm near Bartley. She graduated valedictorian from Bartley High School at the young age of 16 and then taught in a one room county school.

She married Earl Thomas Phillips on Dec. 20, 1942 and they farmed near Cambridge. Upon having kids Elma became a homemaker and a part time farm hand before returning to work, this time as a wallpaper hanger and eventually to teaching school in Bartley. In 1963 the family left the farm and relocated to Longmont, Colo. Elma earned both Bachelor of Science (1967) and Masters degrees in Education from the University of Colorado. She went on to teach elementary school in Longmont for 20 years.

After retirement in 1987, Elma was finally able to pursue a long-time passion of making quilts and traveling. Elma, like Earl was always willing to help others. After she retired, she spent time reading to friends, who could no longer see to read, volunteered for church activities, served in Eastern Star (she was a 50 year member), and helped her children and grandchildren whenever the need arose.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister Pauline Phillips and one son William Phillips.

She is survived by her husband, Earl Thomas Phillips; her son William's widow, Carol of Longmont; three sons Gerry and wife, Gloria of Louisville, John and wife, Jerilyn of Littleton and Scott and wife, Sondra of Longmont; one daughter Phyllis and husband, John Bruce of Johnstown; two brothers, Don and John Teter; nine grandchildren, Andrew Phillips, Holly and husband, Nick Slater, Todd Phillips, Chris Phillips, Leilani and husband Brett Borstad, Jennifer Bruce, Robert Bruce, Ivan Phillips, and Adam Phillips; and three great-grandchildren, Sophia and Matthew Phillips and Rylei Maher.

Loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher and baker, Elma was loved by all, and will be greatly missed!

Funeral service is Tuesday, 10 a.m., at First Congregational United Church of Christ, in Longmont, Colo. Interment to follow at Foothills Gardens of Memory.

Visitation is today, 4 - 6 p.m., at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel in Longmont, Colo., with family present to greet friends.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in c/o Ahlberg Funeral Chapel.

Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.

Ahlberg Funeral Chapel & Crematory of Longmont, Colo., is in charge of the arrangements.