MONTE VISTA – Betty Elena Phillips went to sleep at Juniper Village and woke up in the arms of Jesus as he carried her home to Heaven on October 12, 2009. 

Welcoming her to eternity, were her husband George Phillips, her parents, R. Claude and Hattie (Leming) Headlee and a host of other family members.

Betty was born on March 4, 1919 at her grandparent’s home in Rio Grande County.  Her grandfather, Senator A. E. Headlee, was one of the founders of the Ski Hi Stampede. 

Betty spent most of her life in the Monte Vista area.  She and George owned the sale barn for a short period of time and also a café on Washington Street in addition to their ranching and farming.  Betty worked most of her life as a bookkeeper and at the Julie Sue Dress Shop in Monte Vista.

Betty had a fabulous memory for people, their names and who they were related to and married to.  She enjoyed socializing and was known to do some dancing.

In addition to her husband and parents, Betty was preceded in death by her two brothers, Jack and Jim Headlee.

Affectionately known as “Nanny” by her family, Betty is survived by her children, Connie (Bill) Hill of Del Norte, Gary (Karen) Phillips of Virginia, and Paul (Diane) Phillips of Monte Vista.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Carl (Cindy) Hill, Jon (Julie) Hill, Greg (Jeryl) Phillips, Jodi (Steve) Ivy, Mark (Jen) Phillips, Michael (Lisa) Phillips, and Scott Phillips.  Betty’s great grandchildren are Thad Hill, Taylor Hill, Miranda Hill, Bailey Hill, Caroline Phillips, Sarah Phillips, Adelina Ivy, Anna Sophia Ivy, Lily Phillips, Jessica Phillips, and Zachary Phillips.

Cremation was selected and a memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista.  Inurnment was in the Monte Vista Cemetery.

Arrangements were in the care of Rogers Family Mortuary.