Phyllis D. Sims

May 6, 1930 - January 8, 2018
Phyllis D. Sims
Service Date:
Friday, January 12, 2018 10:00 AM
Service Location:

Phyllis was born May 6, 1930 in Heber City, UT to Harold and Mary Duke.  She had a loving rural Utah upbringing in Spring Glen, UT, a small town nestled between Helper and Price.  She maintained many lifelong friends from this period of her life especially her dear friend Joan Crus.  After Phyllis moved to Salt Lake City she married Donald Morris and had two children Todd and Claudia.  

Phyllis worked in the office of several Salt Lake physicians and her pleasant manner generated wonderful associations with their many patients and assistants.  Later in life she married Byron Sims, having a positive influence in his children's lives.  Once retired from the medical field she started employment with the Utah Opera group and thus began her new and exciting interest in Opera.  Her vivacious personality promoted many enduring relationships with this fantastic group of interesting and spirited people.  She was always very active with interests and abilities in tennis and hiking, all meshed with her joy of others involved in these activities.  She reconnected with Garth Reid, her high school sweetheart.  His extended family of Nancy and Shane Tanner and their wonderful bevy of children became an especially gratifying and loving component of her long life. 

Sadly, she developed Parkinson's disease which caused a progressive deterioration of her mobility and finally her independence.  The Wellington Senior Living Center became her final home where she again made many friends and lasting associations.  The family would like to thank the Wellington staff and Good Shepard Hospice for their loving care at the end of her life.  

Phyllis has left this world but her infectious love for friends and family will reside forever in the ones lucky enough to have known her.  

A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2018 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.  Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Phyllis's favorite passion, Utah Symphony │ Utah Opera.