William Phillips

William Edward "Bill" Phillips, age 83, of Pablo, MT and formerly of Perma, passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 surrounded by family and friends at his home. Bill was the son of William Louis 'Shorty' and Pearl Phillips of Sloan, MT. As he grew up, Bill became the horse whisperer of ranching. He farmed, ranched, logged, packed, and hunted. Bill loved training horses, fishing, running hounds, and helping family and friends when they needed him. He also worked for the US Forest Service shoeing and gilding horses and mules at Ninemile and Perma Remount Depots and various others. He also worked for San Francisco Ranch and Pack River until his retirement.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Shorty and Pearl Phillips.

Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Mevis E. Phillips: a sister, Louise Proctor and her two children and four grandchildren: two daughters, Billy Arlene (Wayne 'Buzz') Learn and their three children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, Betty Jane Adams and her six children and numerous grandchildren: a son, Douglas Edward (Margarita) Phillips and their two children and two grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the Valley View Clubhouse on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 11:00 AM. Dinner will follow the services and everyone is invited to share their favorite story of Bill. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Bill's family.