Ruth Ann Phillips

Ruth Ann Croshaw Phillips, a beloved wife, devoted mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, peacefully returned to her Heavenly Father on April 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 11, 1933, in the small farming community of Airmo, Idaho, to loving parents, Frank Petty Croshaw and Emma Amelia Olson. Raised in Pocatello, Idaho, Ruth Ann grew up in a home filled with faith, love, and laughter, forming unbreakable bonds with her eight siblings.

From an early age, Ruth Ann displayed a vibrant spirit, balancing her childhood adventures with a deep love for music, faith, and family. Her passion for singing brought joy to many as she performed in school productions and church events.

Though music was a great love, Ruth Ann was also a dedicated and hardworking young woman. She entered the workforce during her freshman year, taking a job as an elevator operator. Even as she balanced work and school, she found time for friendships and dating, enjoying group outings to dances, roller skating, and movies.

Ruth Ann was actively involved in the LDS institute program and became a member of the Lambda Delta Sigma sorority club. Her faith played a central role in her life, leading her to serve as a stake missionary and as the music director in the Pocatello 17th Ward.

Ruth Ann’s life changed forever when she met the love of her life, Art Phillips. Though she once vowed never to marry a farmer, love had other plans. Art’s kindness, devotion, and unmatched jitterbug dancing won her heart. They sealed their eternal marriage in the Salt Lake Temple on September 23, 1954 and spent most of their lives in Aberdeen, Idaho. Ruth Ann wholeheartedly embraced farm life, working tirelessly alongside Art and raising their family with love and dedication. They later moved to Middleton, Idaho where they continued their journey together.

A woman of deep faith, Ruth Ann dedicated her life to serving the Lord through her membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Whether as a stake missionary, music director, Relief Society President, or in the Young Women’s (where she served an incredible 31 years) she led by example, demonstrating kindness, compassion, and an unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ.

Ruth Ann will be remembered for her infectious laughter, her beautiful voice, and her ability to make everyone feel cherished. She was a devoted mother who selflessly put her seven children and family first, a loving wife who stood by Art’s side through life’s joys and trials, and a cherished friend who offered her heart openly to all. Her legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Art Phillips, their children Kathleen Nelson (Garth), Jocelyn Robinson (Kert), Bobette Nelson (Mike), Wendy Gamble (David), Nanette Merrill (Ben), and Wesley Phillips (Nicole), 28 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way, and a large extended family who will forever cherish the memories and lessons she imparted.

She is now reunited with her parents, seven siblings, grandson (Jordan Phillips) and two beloved children, Russell Blake Phillips and LaNae Phillips, who preceded her in death, embraced once more in heavenly love.

Ruth Ann’s light will continue to shine in the lives of those she touched. Though our hearts ache in her absence, we find peace in knowing she is at rest in the loving arms of her Savior. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

A funeral service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Aberdeen on April 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM, with a viewing preceding the service at 12:00 PM. She will be laid to rest at Aberdeen Cemetery.

To order flowers, or to share condolences, memories, and photos, please visit DavisRoseMortuary.com.