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Phyllis Parkin Thomas

Jun. 20, 1933 - Nov. 16, 2025

Date of Service: Nov. 21, 2025

Remembering Phyllis Parkin Thomas

Phyllis Parkin Thomas, whose life was marked by service, adventure, and deep devotion to her family and faith, passed away Sunday, November 16, 2025.

She was born in Cowley, Wyoming, on June 20, 1933, to LaFayette Don Parkin and Betsy Jane Jones.

Growing up in Whistle Creek, Wyoming, Phyllis embraced a rugged upbringing, often spending her mornings herding cows on her horse, Ginger. This foundation of hard work led her to graduate from Byron High School with a small class of ten.

Phyllis married George Thomas of Bridger, Montana. Their journey together began in Casper, Wyoming, where she worked at Casper National Bank processing home loans. Their life led them next to Bismark, North Dakota, before the couple established their long-term home in Rupert, Idaho, for 60 years. Most recently, Phyllis moved to Syracuse, Utah, living near her daughter Colleen.

A committed member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Phyllis cherished her great love for the Savior Jesus Christ. Her service in the Church was extensive, especially with the youth, serving in roles like Mutual Improvement leader, YWMIA leader, Mutual leader, and camp director. She also served as Sunday School coordinator, Primary activity day leader, and Sunday School teacher.

Phyllis was famous for her generosity and neighborly spirit, known for her "drop and run" dinners, always having a listening ear, and being ready to help others in need. Her personality even spiced up the work of the farm; during beet harvest, she often had a surprise waiting for everyone when she crossed the tracks to dump her load.

She is dearly missed by her four children, Don (Pamela) Thomas, Colleen (Russell) Lynch, Mark (Terry) Thomas, and Nicole (Mike) Toner; 13 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her two brothers, Clyde Parkin and Jack (Loreen) Parkin, both of Rupert, Idaho.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, George Thomas; her parents; and her sisters, Ruth (Leo) Kocherhans and Joann (Dale) Kidd.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 21, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Rupert Idaho Stake Center, located at 324 E. 18th Street, in Rupert, with Bishop Boyd Bingham officiating. Burial will follow at Rupert Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, November 20, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday, at the church.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/heGOzXeE6A0.

Condolences for Phyllis Parkin Thomas

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Sheryl Hansen Rex:

It was fun reading all about
how amazing Sister Thomas was.
She was never known by her name.
She was my neighbor growing up .I never heard a bad word or be unkind to anyone.
We are grateful for her goodness.

From Keith Zeller:

Aunt Phyllis, easily my favorite aunt, well great-aunt. Some of my best memories from when I was a kid are trips to Idaho to Aunt Phyllis’s house. I absolutely loved going to visit her and Uncle George. I think she loved nothing more than embarrassing me and always asking me about girls. This is something that she always did from the time I was a small boy, and continued to do so just as recent as a year or so ago. Going to her house meant all the Pepsi and Hostess cakes a boy could want. It meant riding three-wheelers, jumping on the trampoline, a huge Saint Bernard dog, and helping in the dairy. I could go on and on about my memories from Aunt Phyllis’s house. She was one-of-a-kind and adored by this nephew. She will most definitely be missed.

From Louise Christensen:

Many good memories of Phyllis, George and family. We had some good laughs at Penney's in Rupert shopping for baby clothes. Loved her kindness.

From Sushma Baldwin:

Missing Grandma! What a sweet soul. Sending you all so many hugs.

From Richard Hansen:

It was an honor to know and love Phyllis. I grew to appreciate her sense of humor and the wonderful desires of her heart. She was quiet but always inquisitive. It was also refreshing to see her smile and greeting in church. She will be missed!

From Don Ames:

Phyllis was the sweetest woman ever. The first week we moved in as her neighbor she brought us a cooked chicken and her kindness was spent on us for the next twenty years. I was lucky enough to be her home teacher for several years where I learned of her solid faith in her Savior. I asked her once if she ever lost faith, even for a second. She replied "OH NO!" I'm sure at her passing she heard "Welcome home faithful servant!"

From Connie Taylor Ward:

I was regularly at her house for 8 years of my growing up. I felt loved, protected, and intimidated in the best of ways. I never wanted to disappoint her. She fascinated me because she always had a clean house but she also got to be in her purple bedroom reading a book. How did she do that!! She is where I learned the rule that I still have in my own household: any money left in laundry was hers. You never touch money on the dryer because that was her findings. I think of sneaking on the roof to jump onto the trampoline, I think of rhubarb and dill, I love 4 o’clocks because of her, tuna sandwiches, Kraft macaroni and cheese, peeling potatoes, Sunday roast dinners, Santa magically leaving presents for her family…a fridge that dispenses ice. She left a big impact on my life and part of who I am is because of her. I love her dearly and appreciate the love she gave.

From Berkley King:

What a great lady! During dance class as she sat with her bag of candy, loved listening to her dance stories of all the guys that would come and dance with her. Her helping bag dog treats for Street Dawg Crew. Probably my most fond memory is taking her for a ride what I believe was her 90th birthday in the 1925 Dodge Roadster. She threw her hands in the air and yelled "Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" Will miss her!

From Colleen Cowham :

Phyllis was a very special lady. Always greeting you with a warm welcome and smile.

From Heidi robbins:

Thinking of u through this difficult time and sending you prayers. What a sweet lady.

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