Margaret K. Phillips

Margaret K. Phillips, 85, passed away on May 6, 2014 in Sandpoint, Idaho. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, June 14, 2014 at the United Methodist Church, 711 Main Street, Sandpoint. Margaret was born in Sandpoint to Albert and Mary Kalk. She had three siblings: Billy and Helen, who died in childhood, and Gordon, who passed away in 2012. After high school graduation, she attended Whitworth College, now Whitworth University, where she received her teaching certificate. This launched her long and successful teaching career, which started at the Oden School. In 1947, she met the love of her life, Harry Phillips, at a Halloween hayride sponsored by the former McConnell Club, a social group for young adults. Harry and Margaret married in 1948 and moved to Laclede to run a dairy and start their family. While their family grew, Margaret did substitute teaching. Once all four children were in school, she taught full-time in the Bonner County School District for 26 years. In 1956, they relocated with their four children to a home on Dufort Road and remained there until Harry passed away in 2007. Margaret was active in 4-H, PTA, Idaho and National Education Associations, Delta Kappa Gamma, and the Methodist choir. After retiring from teaching, she and Harry enjoyed traveling throughout the Western United States, Alaska, and Australia. Their journey Down Under was the trip of a lifetime. Watching her family grow and mature was Margaret’s number one joy. She is survived by three sons, one daughter, and their spouses: John and Carla of Spokane, WA; Bill and Nancy of Sagle, ID; Mike and Ann of Sagle, ID; and Mary Margaret and Stan of Portland, OR. Margaret took great pleasure in her grandchildren. She is survived by eight grandchildren, ten great- grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Also surviving are one nephew and three nieces, each of whom had a special place in her heart. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sandpoint United Methodist Church Education Fund, or your favorite local charity. The Phillips family would like to acknowledge River City Hospice and Luther Park for the compassionate, professional care, and assistance to Margaret. Both organizations made a positive difference in giving her comfort and dignity. Thank you.