Phyllis Hannah Bacon, 92

Phyllis Hannah Bacon was born at home to Emil and Edith Jensen in Watford City, N.D., on May 3, 1932. She was the sixth of 10 children, five of whom have preceded her in death — Edna, Francis, Adeline, Sharon and her only brother, Donald. She received a rich legacy of faith from her parents, who were hard-working, honest, patient, grateful and giving people. Phyllis beautifully followed their example. Her surviving siblings — Avis, LaDonna, Lorraine and Janet have always been close family and best friends.

When Phyllis was four years old, her family moved to Coeur d’Alene, where she later married the love of her life, Robert Bacon. Their life together revolved around their children and grandchildren. They were married for almost 45 years when Bob died from cancer. Phyllis is survived by her three children, Don, Beth and Shari; four grandchildren, Sarah, Jeff, Trevor and Sophie; and three great-grandchildren, Tanner, Jace and Makena. Preceding her in death are her granddaughter, Stephanie, and her great-grandson, Tyson.

Phyllis worked in various bookkeeping and administrative assistant positions at Coeur d’Alene and McMinnville, Ore. She spent the last 10 years of employment at Pacific University in Forest Grove, later retiring from Linfield College. Phyllis found her true calling when returning to Coeur d’Alene after Bob’s death. She trained for and was active in Stephen Ministry while leading monthly worship services at Pinewood Nursing Home and visiting home-bounds, hospitals and retirement homes. It was “her privilege and joy.” She continued this when she moved into Heritage Place. Church service was always the highlight of her week. Compassion and love radiated from her always.

Anyone who knew Phyllis would tell you she was one of the kindest people in the world. The motto of her life was “Kindness Changes Everything.” She lived out that belief daily and was a living example of one of her favorite quotes by Kelly Rae Roberts, “I believe … we are all connected, and KINDNESS is the voice that softly says, I SEE you. I HONOR you, and YOU ARE NOT ALONE.”

Phyllis went home to the arms of her Savior on Dec. 13, 2024. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Please visit Phyllis’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.