Clara Dee Phibbs Angell Ek
April 11, 1937 - January 6, 2026
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Clara “Dee” summed up her life in the words of Jimmy Buffett: “Some of it’s magic, some of it’s tragic, but I had a good life all the way.”
Dee was a gold-star wife, mother, grandmother, and the best combination of creativity and wit. Born in Salt Lake City, she was the eldest child of Ray and Clara Phibbs. Ray worked for the Union Pacific Railroad; she credited this blue-collar upbringing for her strong work ethic and love of family and friendship. Family vacations were meaningful but not extravagant, including adventures traveling by train, camping, and fishing.
Dee formed numerous lifelong friendships at West High School, where she also met Vaughn Marvin Angell. The two married on March 11, 1954, just before Dee’s seventeenth birthday. Their 14-year marriage included frequent military moves and the birth of three sons: Vaughn (1955), Mark (1958), and Kelly (1962). During her husband’s military service overseas, including a 3-year transfer to Germany in 1963, Dee took charge of raising her boys and creating memories of their foreign adventures. She became an advocate for her eldest son’s education when they discovered he was deaf. In 1968, Dee’s life changed forever when Vaughn was killed in Vietnam, leaving her a widow at age 30 with three young sons.
With support and encouragement from family and friends, especially her brother Gary, Dee earned her GED and proudly delivered the commencement address at graduation. She attended classes at the University of Utah and embraced skiing, ensuring her children learned to ski. A coveted role model, she built a life marked by resilience and determination.
In 1972, Dee met Clayton Ivan Ek and started a new chapter. Married on June 20, 1974, they began a loving partnership that lasted 39 years. Together they traveled extensively and spent many days on the slopes. Dee became an avid golfer after marrying Clay, the two sharing a lifelong passion for the sport. They, along with friends, were loyal supporters of Mark and Kelly, who both played college football. Many great parties were hosted by this fun couple, and they generously welcomed everyone into their home.
Owner of “Angell’s Table Linens” in Trolley Square, Dee was a successful entrepreneur. She was also an active supporter and board member of Alliance House, a mental health non-profit that is deeply meaningful to her and her family. Dee honed her skills as an accomplished watercolor artist and sold many pieces at the Pioneer Square Farmers Market. Her favorite subjects were her grandchildren and scenes of the world. Dee’s friends eagerly anticipated a new work of art with the arrival of her annual Christmas card.
After Clay’s death in 2013, Dee remained active in painting, golfing, traveling, and exploring Phibbs family ancestry alongside her sister, Gayle. She welcomed new friends and kept up weekly dates playing cards and dominoes. Dee was known for her gratitude, courage, wisdom, and unwavering support of others. Her hard work is the foundation of our lives. We will honor her daily by facing adversity with graciousness.
Dee is survived by her children Mark Angell (Elizabeth) of Gig Harbor, WA and Kelly Angell (Susan Olsen) of South Jordan, UT; daughter-in-law Claresa Angell (Nathan Herre) of Sandy, UT; grandchildren Kelly Alexander, Lauryn, Ethan, and Emily Angell and Elizabeth, Chelsey, and Jake Olsen. She was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Clara, Clayton Ek, her son Vaughn, and siblings Gary Phibbs and Gayle Knight.
A Celebration of Life will be on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 6:00–8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S. 900 E. Salt Lake City, Utah 84106. Funeral services will be on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 11:00 AM–12:30 PM, also at Starks Funeral Parlor. Guests are encouraged to park on the north side of the building.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alliance House, www.alliancehouse.org. Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.starksfuneral.com.
In Loving Memory
Having Dee as a friend was one of the great joys of my life. I will always treasure the time we spent together—moments filled with laughter, joy, and so many giggles. I will miss Dee and our “hugely” giggle fests (a private joke), and I will forever hold close the years of happiness she brought into my life. I’m sure she and Clay are in the clubhouse now, enjoying a wonderful catch-up. Rest in eternal peace, dear friend.
To the family of Clara, I am sorry for your loss. May you find peace as you grieve. Clara Dee, my cousin was a beautiful person who was able to see the world in shades of beauty that artists see while the rest of us must rely on them to bring this to our attention. I appreciate her long standing support of Alliance House and concerns about our community at large. Rest now, rest in peace, cousin.
Sending condolences from me, my sister Debi and my mom Charlotte Ballstaedt Richter. We have such sweet memories of all of you from Rose Park. Have thought of you all often over the years. Dee was such a wonderful friend and remember wonderful family times. Lots of love. Jodi , Debi & Charlotte.
Dee and my mother, Karren Haslam, met in grade school and remained lifelong friends. Through the years, they stood by each other during both the hardest seasons and the most joyful moments. Their friendship was steady, faithful, and deeply meaningful. A few years before my mother passed away, she came to New Mexico for a visit. Dee joined my mom, my sister, and me for a wonderful day together. We had lunch and went to see the Downton Abbey movie—this brought my mom so much joy. Dee’s friendship was a true gift to her, and that day lifted her spirits in a way I will always remember. Last year, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Dee reached out with the sweetest Willow Tree figurine. It felt like receiving a warm hug—not only from Dee, but somehow from my mom as well, whom I had been missing so deeply. That gesture meant more to me than I can fully express. Dee was a remarkable woman, and I will always be grateful that she stayed connected with our family even after my parents passed away. I can only imagine the sweet reunion she and my mom are now sharing in heaven.
In Loving Memory
