Lois Ann Phillips

Lois was born on July 23, 1935, in Mullenville, Kansas, to Ray and Ruth Houston. She was the second of four children; older sister Marilyn and younger brothers Jim and Larry. Lois was born during the Dust Bowl. Her mother often told the story of hanging layers of damp cheesecloth over her crib to protect her tiny lungs from the dust. As the daughter of a pastor, Lois grew up moving between small towns in Kansas and Oklahoma and attending many one-room schools. Life was often difficult, but those years taught her the values of hard work, gratitude, perseverance, and finding joy in the simple things.

She learned to crochet and knit, from her grandma Houston, who lived with the family for several years. Lois and her siblings helped with farm chores, gardens, chickens, livestock, and seasonal work picking fruit and hoeing corn and sugar beets. Some of her happiest memories were Sunday potlucks, community gatherings, family visits, and roller skating on the paved roads when she visited grandma and grandpa Livingston, in Wichita.

From an early age, Lois learned about Jesus and the importance of hospitality from her parents. At nine years old, she accepted Jesus into her heart. In middle school, she felt called to attend a Christian school, and the family eventually moved to Greenleaf, Idaho, so she and her brothers could attend Greenleaf Friends Academy.

Lois attended George Fox College in Newberg, Oregon, for two and a half years before transferring to Lewis & Clark College, where she met Dick when she was 21. They married in 1957 and shared 66 years together, living in Newberg, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, and Portland. Together they raised five children: Juli, Janet, Joel, Jody, and Jeana.

Lois devoted herself to her family, church, and community. She and Dick attended Maplewood Friends Church for many years before becoming active members of Clackamas Park Friends Church. Lois taught Sunday school, helped with Vacation Bible School, served in women’s ministries and on numerous committees, participated in worship singing, and regularly “prayer-walked” her neighborhood.

Her home was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay. She often invited people into her home for meals and, over the years, welcomed several people and exchange students as part of the family. One young woman, who had escaped a cult, was invited home for Sunday dinner and eventually lived with the family for several years; becoming like a sister to Lois’s children. Later, Lois and Dick became involved with The Gideons International, sharing their faith and helping provide Bibles to those in need. Professionally, Lois worked as a phlebotomist for Kaiser for more than 30 years. She was highly respected for her skill, kindness, and gentle touch.

Lois’s life was defined by her deep love for Jesus, above all else. Everyone who crossed her path—from family and friends, to caregivers, restaurant servers, and strangers—was made to feel valued and loved. She had a remarkable ability to see others at their worst while still seeing the person God loved.

Lois was a fierce prayer warrior, spending time each day praying for her family, friends and anyone else who needed prayer. She faced difficult circumstances with patience, grace, gratitude, and an unwavering determination to praise God through it all. In their younger years, her children sometimes found that constant optimism exasperating, but later came to treasure it deeply. She also had a quick, wry sense of humor that could catch you completely off guard and leave everyone laughing.

She lived a life of humble service, generosity, hospitality, and authentic love. Her children would each say, “She was the best person I have ever known.”

Years ago, Lois wrote in her journal:

“I saw a sign that says, ‘Love the life you live.’ I have found that in my almost 81 years, the only way to love the life I live is to love the life I live in Jesus.”

That IS the life Lois lived.

Lois is survived by her five children, Juli Valeske and husband, Mark, Janet March, Joel Phillips, Jody Wayland and husband, Randy, and Jeana Phillips; 12 grandchildren, Jessica, Brittany, Leah, Kristin, Luke, Lonny, Austin, Taylor, Drew, Brayden, Jared, and Kharis; 17 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick Phillips; parents, Ray and Ruth Houston; and siblings, Marilyn Houston Harris, James Houston, and Larry Houston.

Lois leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, prayer, humor, hospitality, and a lifetime of quietly showing others the love of Jesus.

A Celebration of Life for Lois will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Clackamas Park Friend Church, Milwaukie, Oregon.