Obituary of Robert Murray Phillips

ROBERT M. PHILLIPS Robert M. Phillips, 81, of Gardiner, Montana, died at his home April 12, 2011. Robert was born Dec. 22, 1929 in Shenandoah, Iowa, the son of Denton and Laura Androy Phillips. He spent his early life and attended schools in Camas, Wash., graduating from high school there. In October of 1950 he entered the United States Air Force and served during the Korean Era. During this time, he became a part of the first established military survival group. Following his honorable discharge in 954, he held various construction related jobs, including for the Department of Defense in Vietnam, and in Alaska, working on the ALCAN Highway and on the North Slope pipeline. On Sept. 11, 1991, he married Gayle L. DeWeese in Gardiner. The lived in Gardiner, where they owned and operated the Yellowstone River Motel until the present time. Both Robert and Gayle were avid hunters and enjoyed fishing and the outdoors. He was a life member of the Elks Lodge and a member of the National Rifle Association. He and Gayle also enjoyed playing poker. Survivors include his wife, Gayle L. Phillips, and a stepson, Dennis Betty DeWeese, both of Gardiner; a daughter, Tracy Hartman, of Santa Cruz, Calif.; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two daughters, Robin and Michelle Phillips. A funeral service was held on Monday, April 18, 2011 at Straub's Funeral Home in Camas. Burial followed at the Camas Cemetery. To send condolences or to sign the online guest book please visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.