Phyllis Laurine Debolock

Phyllis Laurine Shake Debolock passed away February 28, 2018 in Vancouver, WA after a life filled with a love of family, determined independence, and a spirit of generosity and good will. Phyllis had a deep and abiding love for the Catholic faith and was an active member of parish communities. Phyllis was born February 17, 1921 to Walter and Nellie (Gill) Shake in Pipestone, Minnesota. She grew up with her brother and cousins sharing farm community experiences, attended elementary school in Emmetsburg, Iowa and graduated from high school in New Ulm, Minnesota. In high school she was selected as drum majorette to lead the marching band and participated in humorous declamation competitions. As a young person she relished listening to operas and that continued throughout her life. In 1943 Phyllis married John Frank Debolock of Aurora, Minnesota and their first home was a cabin in Sandpoint, Idaho where John was stationed in the Navy during WWII. In 1950 they settled in Missoula, Montana and were raising 4 daughters, Kathleen, Carole, Terri, and Michelle, when in 1960 John died of heart failure. Phyllis completed the radiologic technology program at St. Patricks Hospital and worked with Missoula Radiology until1982. Upon retirement Phyllis traveled abroad and golfed until age 80 when her enjoyment turned to the natural habitat and wildlife at her home property. She was in Missoula for 61 years before moving to Vancouver to reside near her daughters. Phyllis charitable work included hosting unwed mothers in her home through Catholic Charities, donating to sponsor students attending Catholic school and as a need arose transporting friends and their family members within her community. When others expressed gratitude for her contributions Phyllis response was to suggest the spirit of generosity be passed forward to meet the needs of others. Throughout her life Phyllis valued friendships with Minnesota classmates, with parents raising young families as she was, within church, employment, and recreational experiences including members of bowling leagues and golf associations and with neighbors, in particular on Pattee Canyon Road in Missoula. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband John in 1960, her daughter Kathleen, Kathleens spouse, Harold Moyer, and their infant son, Steven Quinn in 1964, her brother, Warren Shake, and her parents. She is survived by three children, daughter Carole Richardson and her spouse Ken of Vancouver and their children, Christine Richardson of Vancouver, Angela Richardson Zurlini of Spokane, WA, and Michelle Richardson Tomblison and children Jonah and Lucas of Vancouver, daughter Terri Debolock of Portland, Oregon and children Lauren Debolock Stensland, spouse Kristin Nelson and their son Elliot of Seattle, WA and Jared Debolock Stensland and spouse Carly Westling of Portland, OR, and daughter Michelle Debolock of Vancouver. In Missoula a Mass of Remembrance for deceased members of the Debolock and Shake families will be celebrated and a private burial service will be held. During the latter years of Phyllis life she expressed much gratitude for the many blessings that allowed her family to flourish. Phyllis family suggests contributions in her memory be made to Trinity Academy, 7424 N. Mississippi Ave., Portland, OR 97217 or EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network - www.ewtn.com) Global Catholic Network, 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL 35210, 205-795-5777.

Phyllis Laurine Debolock

February 17, 1921 - February 28, 2018