Lillian (Lil) Phillips passed on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, in Boise, Idaho.
Lillian was born August 28, 1961, in South Dakota to Evelyn White Bull and Vilas White Bull. She was raised by her foster parents Anna Powell and Walton Powell.
She grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota and was a member of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe. She attended Elementary school through High School in Custer, South Dakota and as a young girl she was active in the local 4H club.
She joined the Air Force and met David Phillips while stationed at Luke AFB in Arizona. They were married on June 25, 1983 in South Dakota. Lil and Dave ultimately divorced but remained good friends and kept in close contact. They always remained supportive of each other.
The Air Force moved Lil and Dave to California where she had her children and completed college. Lil left her service in the Air Force and became a CNA while living in California at Yuba Community College. She graduated at the top of her class and spent time working in nursing homes. The family was then sent to Okinawa, Japan but ultimately settled in Mountain Home, Idaho where Dave retired.
She held many jobs over the years, she loved working for thrift stores most recently, putting together outfits and giving new life to old clothes. Lillian had hobbies like playing the piano, she was an incredible artist, loved drawing, and was very creative and curious. She enjoyed learning about random topics and researching all things spiritual in nature. She made friends everywhere she went. She loved to joke and smile and was a mom to many. She had recently found faith within the Jehovah’s Witness and loved to share her faith with others. She will be dearly missed by those fortunate to have known her.
Lillian is survived by her children: Justin Phillips (Nampa, Idaho), Taryn Diehl and spouse Rusty Diehl and their children, Brandon Diehl, Layla Acord, and Trinity Diehl (Nampa, Idaho). Former spouse: David Phillips (Mountain Home, Idaho). Foster family: Wendy Huber Powell (Niece), Robert Powell (nephew), and Melissa Powell (niece) all residing in South Dakota.
She is proceeded in death by her mother Evelyn White Bull, father Vilas White Bull, brother Joseph Afraid of Hawk, daughter Tiffany Phillips, foster mother Anna Powell, and foster father Walton Powell.