Phyllis Eriksen

Phyllis Hymas Eriksen, 87, of Buhl, lived from September 29, 1929 to January 1, 2017. She was a resident of Buhl and formerly of Wells, Nevada. Phyllis passed away after a brave battle with a long term illness and associated complication at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise, Idaho.

Phyllis was born in Burley, Idaho. She was raised in Jerome along with her brothers, Forrest and Gail and sisters, Idell and Sharon. Phyllis graduated from Jerome High School in 1947. She married Daryl Eriksen on November 21, 1948 and they were married for 62 years until his passing in 2010.

Phyllis was the cherished matriarch of the Eriksen family and Queen of the Heart. She lived her life entirely in the service of love. Phyllis exemplified humility, grace, joy, humor, innocence, purity, natural beauty and unabashedly lived a life so full of love everyone she met could feel it. She woke each day happy, grateful to be alive. She never complained and was always positive even when she was in great pain.

No one was ever a stranger to Phyllis. She made friends and genuinely cared for everyone she came into contact with no matter who they were or what they did, to her everyone was a friend. If you left her house hungry it was your own fault.

She devoted her life to her family and attended every one of her very successful children's, grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's sporting events as she was able to right up until her passing. Phyllis enjoyed spending every moment possible with family and friends. She enjoyed activities as varied as cooking, sports, book clubs, bible study at BSF, golfing, pinochle, fishing, boating, music and most recently Farkle.

She had an uncanny knack of finding out how people are all connected. It astounded everyone who knew her how she was able to find the connections between people by delightedly asking people questions and then connecting the dots. This was one of her favorite pastimes. She delighted in being alive each day and was the most sincere, beautiful human being inside and out. She epitomized integrity, authenticity and not a single thing was ever contrived about her natural warmth, wisdom and quirky elegance. Every benevolent gesture from either her hand or mouth was always sourced from her huge heart. Phyllis was an Earth Angel.

We will miss you so much here on the human plane dear irreplaceable Phyllis, our Mother, Sister, Grandma, Great-grandma, Aunt, Cousin and friend. We are so happy you are now free from pain. We know your spirit will always be with us even as it has joined your loved ones. Rest in peace sweetheart, dance and play as you did for 87 years, spreading love like the morning sun. You will be busy in heaven reuniting with loved ones and meeting new friends!

Her transition was such bittersweet sorrow to witness. There was so much deep sincere love in one room as she slipped away from us. She was surrounded by her family upon her return to her loved ones in Heaven and it brought us to the apex of what true love is all about. It was an honor to be any part of this godly woman's life. We love you to the moon and back… and we mean it!

Phyllis is survived by her children, Dianne "Cookie" (Jack) Watts, Jay (Kellee), Mike, Randy (Dorothy), Tommy (Lisa) Eriksen; 18 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Idell (Don) Weeks,
Salmon, Id., Gail (Karolyn) Hymas, Twin Falls, Id., Sharon (David) Price, Boise, Id. and many devoted and loyal extended family and friends in Nevada and Idaho.

She was preceded in death by her husband Daryl C. Eriksen; children, Teddy Taylor and Kimberli and brother, Forrest P. Hymas.

Many thanks to all the doctors, nurses and caregivers who assisted her care and passing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wells Boys and Girls Club.

There will be an open house 3 - 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6 at Mimi's Flowers (289 Clear Lakes Road) in Buhl. A graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m. (PST) Sat. Jan. 7 at the Wells Cemetery in Wells, Nevada followed by a family hosted program and celebration 2:00 p.m. at Wells Propane Special Events Center (338 Easy St.).

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Farmer Funeral Chapel of Buhl, Idaho.