Loretha J. Phillips

Loretha Joyce (Larson) Phillips, 97, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Calvin Community in Des Moines.

Loretha was born January 21, 1921 in Jewell, Iowa to Theodore A. and Gertrude (Kalseim) Larson. She married Walter R. Phillips in Story City, Iowa on November 8, 1947 and they enjoyed 62 years together until his death. She was a longtime member of Central Lutheran Church and Capitol Hill Lutheran Church. Loretha enjoyed being active through her church circles, women’s groups, and committees. She loved traveling with her husband and they visited almost every state in the U. S. plus the Orient, Europe, Central and South America, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia, and the South Pacific. They often visited family and friends and were always excited to discover new places. They made many fond memories camping, going on cruises, or taking group trips. They loved their family and friends above all and treasured time spent with them. Loretha and Walter built a home in the Beaverdale neighborhood where they lived for 65 years. She then went on to her second home at Calvin Community. She enjoyed making new friends and appreciated all the kindness and care she received there. She especially enjoyed winning stuffed animals at Bingo.

She is survived by her children, Glenn Phillips and Lois Phillips Parker; grandchildren, Mary Sloan, Christian Parker, and Kalsa Parker Browning (James); great-grandchildren, Gabe Worzala, Oliver Sloan and Evan Sloan; daughter-in-law, Terrie Phillips; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Loretha was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Phillips; son, Gene Phillips; son-in-law, David Parker; parents, Theodore and Gertrude Larson; brother, Wayne Larson; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 10, at Capitol Hill Lutheran Church, 511 Des Moines Street, Des Moines. Burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Contributions may be directed to Capitol Hill Lutheran Church in loving memory of Loretha.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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