Theresa PHILLIPS Obituary

January 16, 1966 - November 6, 2023

Spokane - Theresa Rose "Bear" Phillips was born in Spokane, Washington, on January 16, 1966. She joined Our Heavenly Father on November 6, 2023.

Tess graduated from Mead Senior High, then earned an associate degree from Spokane Community College and worked as a legal secretary. She later moved to Target for several years. Twenty-six years ago, Tess made the move to Group Health, which later became Kaiser Permanente, working as a Special Claims Research and Adjustment Specialist. She was a dedicated worker, often putting in hours of overtime. Tess attended Happy Home Church in Deer Park for a time.

She enjoyed taking photos and frequently shared the pictures she had taken of deer and moose in the yard or beautiful sunsets with the family. Tess often talked about her trips to Nashville and seeing some of her favorite artists in concert. She loved old country music and Vince Gill. Another interest was stargazing and learning the constellations. She loved animals of all kinds, always having dogs and cats.

Tess had the sweetest soul, always willing to help others in need. She knew how to make you feel special when you were with her.

Tess is survived by her sisters, Diane Anderson, Pam (Jeff) Harper, and Melodie (John) Cooper; nieces, Cherie (Matt) Winkler, Carla (Kevin) Vaughn, and Amanda Harper; nephew, Anthony Harper; numerous great-nieces and nephews; great-great-nieces and nephews; and dear friends. She will be greatly missed.

Tess was preceded in death by her father, Laurence Phillips; mother, Florence Phillips; brother, Robert Phillips; and brother-in-law. Alan Anderson.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 9:00 am at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N. Government Way, Spokane, WA. A burial will follow at Greenwood Memorial Terrace Cemetery, 211N. Government Way, Spokane, WA, at 10:30 am.

"Love you to the moon and back."