Barbara E. Phipps

Barbara Elizabeth Jones Phipps, born in Fort Collins Colorado on September 4, 1923, passed away April 20, 2016. Barbara was a second-generation native-born Coloradoan, descended from pioneers who travelled by prairie schooner from Missouri to the San Luis Valley in 1887.

She was the only child of Ermon Dean Jones and Una Lois Kenton Jones, who met in Fort Collins in 1921 and married in 1922. In 1928 they moved into their new house on South Whitcomb Street, where Barbara was raised and where her parents lived the remainder of their lives.

Barbara attended Remington School, Washington Elementary, and Lincoln Junior High before graduating from Fort Collins High School in 1941. She received her Bachelor Degree in Home Economics from Colorado A&M (now CSU) in 1945, having attended college while, as she often said, "the boys were off at war." A year later she earned her Dietitian Certification at University of Minnesota. During her school years she learned to play violin, alto clarinet, and piano, developing a lifelong love of music

On June 23, 1946 she married William Vance Phipps of Fort Collins. They honeymooned at Yellowstone National Park.

Together they raised four children: William Dean Phipps, Susan Elizabeth Phipps Guinnee, Alan Lee Phipps, and Stanley Ray Phipps. In 1958 Barbara and Vance, a building contractor, bought the historic Sheldon House that was located at the corner of Howes and Oak and was slated for demolition to make room for the new Fort Collins Federal Savings and Loan Building (now KeyBank). Vance and his crew moved the large two story house up Canyon Avenue to its present location on West Mulberry. It was in this house where the children grew up and, among other things, enjoyed endless hours jumping on the trampoline in the attic.

Barbara was an active, lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir, played in the handbell choir, participated in Mariners Club and Golden Circle, and volunteered for Vacation Bible School, Sunday School and at Highlands Camp in Allenspark.

She was also involved in the life of the community. She belonged to Daughters of the American Revolution and Pioneers Club, and was active with the Rebekahs and Encampment organizations of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Barbara loved to travel, often taking off with Vance in their RV to explore the beauty and diversity of the United States. They even made it to Alaska, driving their RV to catch the ferry in British Columbia which took them north through the Inside Passage, and continuing as far as Fairbanks before returning home via the Alaska Highway. They often travelled with several of their grandchildren, providing life-long memories for them and the kids.

Perhaps most of all Barbara loved spending time at the family cabin near Allenspark. She enjoyed many, many days there, watching the birds and wildlife while relaxing on the front porch, or sitting in front of the fire.

She will be remembered for her steadfast faith, gift of conversation, bright smile, laughter, kindness, forbearance, and acceptance of others for who they are without judgment. She was loved by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband to whom she was married for nearly 44 years. She is survived by her four children, daughter-in-law, Katherine Kunz, nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

The family thanks the kind, caring, indeed loving caregivers of Golden Peaks Center and Pathways Hospice, and Dr. Roger Bermingham.

In memory of Barbara, those who wish may donate to Pathways Hospice or Highlands Presbyterian Camp, c/o Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Ft. Collins, CO 80524.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 25, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church, 531 S. College.