Phyllis D. Sims
May 6, 1930 - January 8, 2018
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.
In Loving Memory
Knowing both Todd and Claudia i know Phyllis was a wonderful mother. I regret that her years of retirement were hampered by increasing limitations. I do know she embraced life fully and made a difference to those around her. I will never forget celebrating her 70th year in the bottom of Copper Canyon, Mexico during a week of adventure.
Suzanne Stensaas
Salt Lake City, ut
So sorry to learn of Phyllis' passing. She was a wonderful human being who will be missed. Too bad her final years were so difficult. We remember how vibrant she was some 18-20 years ago when we first met in Mexico on a trip to Copper Canyon. That is the memory to cherish.
Richard E. Kanner
Salt Lake City, UT
Happiness is a Choice You Make, a book title tells us. I haven't read it but I should. Phyllis hadn't read it either. She didn't have to; she could have written it. Through the twists and turns of her life, she could have chosen to be bitter. Her choice, however, was to be better. Kind and ever-gracious, she shared happiness with many others, including youngsters from families not her own. In so doing, she enjoyed a lifetime of widening friendships, endowing us all with the brightness of her self. Now she is gone. But we are left with the warmth of our memories. Thank you, dear friend, for what you have given us, and what you have left behind. Be at peace.
Byron Sims
Salt Lake City, UT
This dear and kind woman came into my life when I was just a child via marriage to my father. She was a loving woman, even to three little girls who were not so lovable at times. She never gave up on us and never stopped caring. She always had a bright smile, great hugs and kind words. When I was 18 she gave me the courage to have a conversation with my father that changed the course of my life and my relationship with him. I will always remember her with love for that small gift of encouragement that she gave me that day. She probably never knew what she did for me that spring day.. She was an extraordinary spirit. Rest well sweet lady.
Melanie Sims Patton
VANCOUVER, WA
Todd so sorry for you loss, mothers are so precious to their children and a gift to us all. May God Bless you and your family in this difficult time. I will keep you in my prayers. Vicki
Vicki Ulibarri
West Jordan, UT
Goodbye sweet Phyllis, I will miss you.
Cathy Maccalman
Murray, Ut
Claudia: I am so sorry for your loss. She must have been an amazing mother as she raised a wonderful woman. Sending love and prayers to you and your whole family.
Karena Luttmer
Salt Lake City, UT
Claudia, Belatedly, Claudia,I was sorry to hear about your Mom's passing, but glad you have been there to help out, especially these last several years. You've got her infectious smile and warm and open ways. Steve Baar Salt Lake City, Utah
Steve Baar
Salt Lake City, UT