Sheridan native Phyllis Yvonne (Phillips) Vanatta, 73, died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009, in Tucson, Ariz.

A private service was Feb. 28 in Tucson. A service is planned in Buffalo this summer.

Born Sept. 28, 1935, in Sheridan to Bonita (Larke) and John R. Phillips, she graduated from Sheridan High School in 1953.

She worked at Woolworth's and eventually at Mountain Bell Telephone as an operator.

She married Joe Vanatta II of Sheridan in 1956.

She lived in Sheridan until 1974, then moved to Oregon. Several years later she moved to Spokane, Wash., and continued her career as a secretary. She eventually retired to Tucson.

An avid reader of romance novels, she enjoyed working crossword puzzles and watching cooking shows, animal shows and nighttime TV dramas. She was known as an outstanding cook and especially enjoyed creating holiday sweets.

Survivors include three sons, Joe Vanatta III of Sandpoint, Idaho, Hal Vanatta of Baypoint, Calif., and Bret Vanatta of Tucson; a sister, Sandra Lewellen of Spokane; a brother, John (Randy) Phillips of Gig Harbor, Wash.; and two grandchildren.

For more information about services in Buffalo, contact Phyllis Iddings at 674-7946

The Sheridan Press - March 20, 2009.