Phyllis Marlene (Moll) Jones

Phyllis Marlene (Moll) Jones, 92, of Bellingham passed away peacefully on October 26, 2023.

Phyllis Marlene Moll was born on September 30, 1931 to Robert and Hilda Moll in Bryant, South Dakota, the oldest of four children.

Phyllis graduated from Lake City High School in Lake City, Iowa in 1949 and went on to study nursing at the University of Nebraska from September 1949 to June 1952.  While at the University of Nebraska she met her husband Phillip Jones.  They were married June 21, 1953 and she followed him to Tacoma for Phil’s medical internship in the United States Air Force.  Over the next 13 years, they lived in Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska and welcomed their three children, Nancy, Tom, and Carolyn,  eventually settling in Bellingham in 1966. 

Phyllis was proud of her community involvement.  She was very active and involved with the YWCA, Boulevard Park development, St. James Presbyterian Church, and Planned Parenthood in Bellingham.

Phyllis found nursing to be a very fulfilling profession and especially enjoyed her time serving the Lummi community during the 1980s and early 90s at what is now Lummi Tribal Health Center.

Phyllis and Phil welcomed eight grandchildren from 1981-1986.  One of Phyllis’s biggest passions was spending time at their cabin on Lummi Island with their growing family having picnics, gardening, and beach combing for sea glass. 

During their retirement years, Phyllis and Phil loved travelling around the country in their Little Chinook camper.  They visited family and historical sites and always enjoyed a quick stop in Reno.  Phyllis was an avid gardener.  She kept a large vegetable garden and many beautiful flower beds.  When she wasn’t gardening, she kept busy sewing and crafting all manner of fiber and paper arts.  She loved sharing her joy and talents with her children and grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, her three siblings, and her husband Phil.

She is survived by her children Nancy (Jim) Brister, Tom (Joyce) Jones, and Carolyn Jones; her grandchildren Alissa (Kevin) Stock, Jessica Murray, Julie (Tim) Bathke, Michael (Kristin) Jones, Jenna Brister, Jonathan Murray, Joey Brister, Christopher (Julie Goodwin) Jones; her great-grandchildren Hailey, Austin, Kamryn, Lillian, Myah, Charlotte, Ashley (Simon), Lincoln, Sam, Iris, Ben, Jocelyn; her great-great-grandchildren Sawyer and Chloe; and also numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family will hold a private memorial service in the spring.