Phyllis Jean Blackman

Phyllis Jean Moss Blackman was received into the arms of our Lord on March 3, 2005. Phyllis was born January 4, 1928 in La Grande, Oregon to Elva Williams Moss and Guy Moss. She was their only child. Her father died when Phyllis was only 3 years old. She and her Mother moved to Los Angeles and returned to La Grande when she was 8. Phyllis attended school in Island City and La Grande. She married Walter R. Blackman on December 23, 1945, who preceded her in death in 1982. She fought a valiant battle with kidney and heart failure.

Phyllis was an ancestor to the McAlister's, for whom McAlister Road is named. Her great grandfather was a McAlister. They came to the Grande Ronde Valley by wagon train and helped settle the valley. The old ‘home place" is on McAlister Road between Island City and the I-84 overpass.

Phyllis exemplified the meaning of Mother, Mother-in-law, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. She was the love of our lives. She guided us to the right path of life without interfering. She was ready with a suggestion, but only if asked. She was always very cheerful and loving. She loved to go on excursions in the mountains; hunting, fishing and picking huckleberries for those wonderful pies she made. She was an accomplished seamstress. She loved sewing clothing for the family. The little great-granddaughter are the recipients of her latest creations.

Phyllis was an artist when it came to making her quilts. They are magnificent! The family is surrounded by her love every time they cover up with her quilts. She had quite an extended "family" with her quilt club and classmates, both of whom met on a regular basis.

Phyllis worked for many years at Bohnenkamps Hardware, which later became C & E True Value, at Zimmerman's, which later became Rouse's and also at La Grande Paint and Glass. She loved working with the public and they came to depend on her to always find the right item or mix "just the right color" of paint.

Phyllis and her family spent a lot of time at the cabin she and Walt had on Stubblefield Mountain east of Elgin. Many stories come from staying at "The Cabin"!

Phyllis is survived her children, Randy and Ellen Blackman, Walter and Leslie Blackman, Tom and Betty Blackman, Bart Blackman and Amy, Elva & Mitch Emmons and Teresa and Ken Moody; her grandchildren, Sally & Randy Chilson, Natalie & Coy Goodnight, Curtis & Candi Blackman, Blaine & Amy Blackman, Jason Blackman, Tom Blackman and Bree, Kim Blackman, Hollie Blackman, Richie Wilhelm, Jeb Wilhelm, Laci Wilhelm, Chelsea Webb, Brenna Moody and Mattie Moody; her great grandchildren, Tanna Goodnight, Ryan Chilson, Kaylee Blackman, Gabe Blackman, Jessica Blackman, LeeAnna Blackman, Raechel Blackman, Courtney Blackman and Kaylie Stanton. She is also survived by in-laws, Clara Huff, Bob & Ethel Blackman, Kathy Sanderson, Pat Hardwick and Buck Hardwick. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Walt; mother, Elva; father, Guy and two great grandchildren, Leah & Zachary Chilson.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2005 at 3:00 p.m. at the Island City School Gym. Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Phyllis to the Quilt Questers, in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.