After a lengthy illness, our beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, Phyllis Richardson DeVore passed from this earthly life to eternity with her Lord on April 5, 2022. Phyllis Richardson was born February 17, 1935 to Elizabeth Neville Richardson and James Jacob Richardson in Bozeman MT. Phyllis was the youngest of six siblings and was raised on several ranches in the Paradise Valley. As a child Phyllis preferred to be outside on her horse “Pony” and accompanied by her dogs “Pup” and “Stinky”. She recounted many adventures with rattlesnakes, bee swarms and one summer attempted to catch Magpies as there was a bounty offered on them. Phyllis started country school at age five because there were no other children her age to make a class. Her father, “Jay” was a hired ranch foreman and the family moved frequently so Phyllis attended numerous one room schools throughout the Valley. Phyllis attended high school for three years in Wilsall and because her parents moved just before her Senior year to Gardiner, Phyllis moved in with her older sister Opal in Livingston and graduated from Park County High. After high school Phyllis started to work for the Telephone Company as an Operator. During her time with the Phone Company, her friend Kelly told her she should run for Rodeo Queen. She at first refused but eventually agreed. She won and was crowned Livingston Roundup Queen 1955! That same year, Phyllis attended a month long training for the Phone Company in Helena. While there a co-worker set her up on a blind date with Kent DeVore. Long story short, they married on November 6, 1955. They resided in Helena and were married for 64 years until Kent’s passing in March 2020. Phyllis and Kent were very active horse riders and participated in many trail rides with the Helena Trail Riders, of which they were life-long members. Phyllis was always disappointed that they eventually sold her mare “Sugar”.
Phyllis and Kent had three children, April, Cheri and Brian. During this time Phyllis was very active in her Church as well as Helena Christian Women’s Club, Aglow and numerous home fellowships. Often the fellowships as well as Holiday dinners were hosted at their home. Many times the house was full to the brim with people eating at one of three tables plus a ping pong table in the garage. It wasn’t fancy but it was fun! In their later years Phyllis and Kent traveled far and wide with trips to Japan, Israel, Hawaii and the Caribbean. Fall always brought football season and many Saturdays were spent in Missoula at the Griz games!
Phyllis is survived by her daughter April of Helena, her second daughter Cheri also of Helena and her son Brian (Joanne) of Portland OR. Ten grandchildren also survive her, Matt (Katherine), Carson (Andrea), Maggie (Arlyn), Luke, Charla, Jared, Hallie, Zach and Christian. Also surviving are four great grandchildren, Noah, Jolene, Loretta and Julia.
Family graveside interment has already occurred at Forestvale Cemetery and a Celebration of Life will be held later this summer.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Mary Kay & George Bennett says
Beautiful lady in every way.
One of the best looking couples in Helena.
I am so sorry, April!
Mary Jay & George
John Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏 Phyllis and Kent were Christian friends from way back. Special people 😊
Jody Pace Davie says
So very sorry for your loss. Phyllis was a treasure.
Jennie Goodman Herrin says
Oh April, I am sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Sending you hugs & warm thoughts.
Sharlene Stav says
Dear April,
I just want you to know that I’m thinking of you. Your mother was one of the sweetest people I have ever met, and such a beautiful lady inside and out. I have such fond memories of your parents helping us kids with all of our horse things.
With love and hugs , Shar Goodman Stav
Deb Green says
Such a beautiful lady and friend. She was a spiritual mentor to so many women at First Assembly and was involved in so many areas of ministry there. She had the sweetest spirit and always had the best smile! She will be missed by so many. Prayers of comfort to her family.
Sandi Siler says
Sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I know she will be missed- Granddaughter if Grace Neville,.
My Sincere Condolences,
Sandi Siler
Pat Ross says
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I knee her from years in Aglow in addition to First Assembly. Prayers for all of you during these difficult days. Blessings, Pat Ross
Rod Applegate says
Cheri, April, Brian and the DeVore family. I’m saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
VEDA RICHARDSON says
TO THE WONDERFUL DEVORE FANILY; When Phyllis came to Helena for training she stayed with her brother and family and we thoroughly enjoyed the ensuing romance for the next 60 plus years. I remember how thrilled Kent’s Mother Hallie and Father Lloyd were with their new daughter. We all have such wonderful memories of Phyllis and Kent and the family. PLEASE KNOW I AM HEARTBROKEN WITH PHYLLIS MOVING ON TO BE WITH HER “BLIND DATE”. MY PRAYERS WITH YOU ALL. YOUR AUNT VEDA
Paul Goodman says
A dear and beautiful lady has been promoted to her heavenly home. Kent and Phyllis DeVore hold fond memories for Floral and me as friends and former pastors. They lived their lives with quiet dignity in our community of Helena, and they will be deeply missed. Cheri, April and Brian we pray God’s blessing and favor on you and your families.