Bethel J. Phillips was born June 19, 1927, in her grandmother’s home in Bay City, Oregon, to Fred and Naomi (Simmons) Duerfeldt and passed away in Tillamook on November 14, 2024, at the age of 97. She grew up in Idaville, just south of Bay City, and attended Riverdale School in Idaville through the 8 th grade. In 1945 she graduated from Tillamook High School. World War II was at its height during her high school years and she commented on how there were not many boys in her class by the time they graduated as many had left school to serve in the war. During the war, she would walk or ride her bike to Bay City once a week to “man,” with her cousin, an enemy aircraft observation station which was located on the roof of a gas station in town. She confessed they never saw any enemy airplane.
After high school she worked at Mountain State Electric. During her employment there, electric water heaters were frequently being installed in homes for the first time. She found it noteworthy when the company started receiving complaints from customers when their electric bills increased significantly.
After the war, the future love of her life, Milton J. Phillips, returned home to Tillamook after serving in the Navy. After a “chance” meeting set up by her future sister-in-law, who also worked at Mountain State, it seemed it was love at first meeting. They were married April 6, 1947 at the Bay City Methodist Church and spent close to 73 years together before Milton passed March 2020. Together, they had three children: Jim, Dan and Sue.
When their children were in grade school, Bethel started working part time as the Tillamook United Methodist Church secretary and continued working there for close to 30 years. Her church was her foundation, and she was devoted to serving it. She volunteered for a variety of community groups including the Tillamook Senior Center Meals-on-Wheels program and Grub Club. In her youth she was a member of the Rebekahs and active in the Kilchis Grange. She was proud to be a Tillamook pioneer and belonged to the Tillamook County Pioneer Association. She was a talented seamstress, knitter and loved to crochet making numerous afghans and baby blankets for family and friends. Bethel’s favorite pastime was being with her family, who will miss her generous heart, subtle humor, and sweet smile. She will be greatly missed but remembered with love and smiles.
Bethel is survived by her three children: Jim Phillips (Cathy) of Lebanon, Dan Phillips (Cindy) of Tillamook, Sue Meyer (Joe) of Tillamook; ten grandchildren: Fred Phillips (Wendy), Sarah Curran (Gaylon), Michael Phillips (April), Megan Lofton (Michael), Heather Phillips, Jacob Phillips (Beth), Joshua Phillips, Trever Phillips, Joe Meyer, Trent Meyer (Erin); 15 great-grandchildren: Grace, Vance, LJ, Lana, Syian, Eva, Livia, Jaxon, Naomi, Claire, Lauren, Rachel, Branden, Abigail, Madelyn; sister-in-law June Phillips of Sisters; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Bethel is
preceded in death by her husband, Milton; brother, Bill Duerfeldt; and sister, Beatta Kostur.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Tillamook United Methodist Church or the Tillamook County Pioneer Association.
