May Carlson Phillips

May (Carlson) Phillips Wenatchee, WA May (Carlson) Phillips, age 94, passed away July 19, 2013, lovingly surrounded by her three children. Her transition into Pure Joy, Love and the Presence of our Lord, occurred in her sleep, peacefully and gently, after a brief illness. May was born in Everett, WA on May 22, 1919, the third and youngest daughter to Carl K. and Elma (Gahke) Carlson, a pioneering Swedish immigrant couple. May learned to walk in Sweden, where the Carlson family traveled while their Everett home was being built. Father Carlson "Papa", an industrious Swede, founded Alpine Consolidated Dairies and, along with other successful business endeavors, also patented the original metal milk can used for commercial dairy purposes in those years. May spent her youth in Everett, particularly close to her mother and father. She graduated Valedictorian from Everett High School in 1936. Academically gifted, she skipped two grades in earlier years and attended the University of Washington, participating in their 'Oxford' experimental honors program. Graduating with an emphasis in foreign language, English and drama, she was an active, lifelong member of the Delta Gamma Sorority. In 1942, May married Major George S. "Dode" Phillips, whom she met while he played football for the University of Washington. The couple married and Dode taught military science at Oregon State University. Following WWII, relocating to the Wenatchee Valley, they made their home in Peshastin for over 25 years. During these years, the Phillips' raised their three children, were active members in the Peshastin community and the Peshastin United Church of Christ. Dode was well known in the lumber business and also active with the Chelan County Republican Party, Chelan County Planning Commission and University of Washington alumni association. May and Dode moved to Wenatchee in 1978, making their home on Skyline Drive. May was preceded in death by her husband in 1987. May held a lifelong passion for music, playing Bridge, reading and, being engaged in the world. More, she also was a master knitter. Her beautiful creations are cherished by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. However, nothing pleased her more than a serious game of Bridge OR a laughter-filled, more casual one, with her three children. Not surprisingly, these 'tournaments' often continued into the wee hours of the morning. She loved to travel, particularly with her children, visiting Europe, her homeland Sweden, the Middle East, the Caribbean and an occasional ocean-going cruise. A devoted wife and loving mother, May had a wonderful zest for life, a strong faith in God, and a never-ending willingness to always participate in her children's, grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's activities. May exhibited the unusual energy and enthusiasm of a woman many years her junior. She found no greater joy than just being with her family. And, her family found no greater joy than just being with her. May held a very special relationship with her two sisters, Mrs. R. Mort (Helen) Frayn of Seattle, and Mrs. Joseph L. (Margaret) Hughes of Wenatchee, both preceding her in death. Her passing brings an end to the Carlson family era and three wonderful sisters; each one remarkable, colorful, insuppressible and truly irreplaceable. May was an active member in the Wenatchee PEO Club, a sustainer in Junior League, Wenatchee Golf & Country Club and Wenatchee Presbyterian Church. A woman of grace, dignity and strong Christian faith, she was the consummate role model for her children and grandchildren. She will be genuinely missed by both older and younger friends and her adoring three children and very close family. May is survived by her sons, George S. Phillips Jr. and wife, Robin, of Woodinville, WA, Peter P. Phillips of Seattle, WA, and daughter, Carlita L. Schneider and husband, Michael, of Bothell, WA. She is also survived by her five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Special friends were also the ladies of the Racquet Club; her wonderful Saturday night Bridge ladies (thank you, Bridge partners); her beloved niece, Susan Frayn Lile-Hunter; and her nephews, Jody Hughes and Bobby Frayn. Also, special recognition to Marilou Hughes, Dr. Feinman, and the very caring staff at Central Washington Hospital. Bless you all! A Private Family Gathering will be held at May's request. Arrangements assisted by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

May Carlson Phillips

May 22, 1919 - July 19, 2013