Obituary of Phyllis Jeaninne Alford

Phyllis Jeaninne Alford, age 95, passed away peacefully on Feb 22, 2024.  She spent the last chapter of her life with her grandson Michel and his wife Amy, where they provided her with love, care and respect.  They treasured their time together making her last batch of the secret family peanut brittle, going on adventures, and taking the time to learn about her history and the stories that were important to her.  Every day that she was with them, they focused on making memories that her grandchildren and great grandchildren will cherish forever.

Born on November 19, 1928 in Sioux City, Iowa, Phyllis was the daughter of Marvin and Helen Wells with siblings Neal and Karen. She moved to Kent, Washington as a child.  She lived in the same home for over 70 years just blocks from the junior high school she attended.  She loved to tell stories about growing up in Kent and how things have changed from when she used to scoop ice cream at the soda shop and work for Ma Bell as a telephone operator.  Phyllis graduated from Kent High School in 1946 and remained lifelong friends with many of her classmates.  She was so proud that when they had their 75th class reunion she was the only one of her classmates who was still driving at the time.  

Her favorite story to tell was the day that a blind date with a schoolmate, Russel (Russ) Alford turned into a lifetime of commitment to each other.  She had a marriage that others looked up to and admired.  They were married in 1948 and had 58 years of marriage before he passed away in 2006.  They enjoyed traveling together and many of their activities revolved around his love of sports which turned Phyllis into a huge Seahawks and Mariners fan.    

She was active in her sorority, Beta Sigma Phi for over 60 years serving in leadership and as president for many of those years. She had fond memories of her time with her friends there. She was also involved with the American Legion Auxiliary since WW2 and served as president for three years. 

Phyllis enjoyed working in her yard tending to her flowers and her tomatoes she grew every year.  She was very proud of her inground pool and would be out there sweeping everyday to make sure there were no pine needles.  She had a love of shopping and finding a bargain on something. She loved looking for the perfect gift and had a collection of shoes and purses for herself.  One of her favorite places to go was the casino to play the slot machines, which made it the perfect location to celebrate her 95th birthday.  

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Russel in 2006 and daughter Judy in 2013.  She is survived by her daughter Linda Joseph and son Tim Alford, her grandson Michel Cross, his wife Amy and 2 great granddaughters Jewel and Sydney.  

Phyllis will be remembered for her perseverance of never giving up.  She will be greatly missed by all those who loved her.  

Funeral arrangements will be made through Curnow Funeral Home in Sumner, WA.  She will be buried with her husband at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA.