Daily Herald

Iris Phillips

Tolley

1942 ~ 2010

Our mom, Iris, lost her life to breast cancer, the toughest marathon she would ever run, on February 27, 2010 at home with her family and her faithful animals. Mom was born on May 20, 1942 to James and Vilda Phillips in Nephi, Utah. She married Roy Tolley and they were later divorced. Mom was an inspiration to all who had the opportunity to know her. She grew up in Nephi graduating from Juab High School. Mom’s determination brought her many firsts in life. She graduated from UVSC as a Journeyman Diesel Mechanic. She was awarded the Bronze Minuteman award which is Utah National Guard’s highest award for leadership and public service. She was one of six women to run a marathon on all seven Continents, after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She was honored to carry the Olympic Torch in February 2002. She was an avid athlete running over fifty marathons and numerous triathlons. She participated in the Huntsman Senior Games for fifteen years. Mom worked at Cummins Intermountain Diesel in Salt Lake City, later retiring from Intermountain Power Service, Delta, Utah as a maintenance planner. She also retired from the Utah National Guard 115th Maintenance Unit with thirty years of service to her country. She worked actively with the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. She was a lobbyist and motivational speaker dedicated to find a cure for breast cancer. She worked at Heindselmans Knit Shop as a hobby. She lived life to the fullest every minute. She enjoyed spending time with her family and supporting her grandchildren in their own accomplishments.

Mom was an avid photographer, winning many awards with her pictures, having some published nationally.

She is survived by her daughters Gina (Nate) Taylor of Santaquin, Selena (Kenyon) Carter of Nephi, her grandchildren Dusty, Meagan (Nick), Bodie, Travis, Myranda, Zack and Sadie, her brother George (Judy Ann) Phillips of Nephi, her sisters Pat (Sherm) Zeeman of Payson, Dana (Val) Kelson of Nephi and her faithful dog Hannah and cat Marge who were there at her side until the time of her death.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at the Nephi 2nd Ward, 222 South 100 East. Friends may call Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home, 94 West 300 North and at the Church from 10-11:30 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Nephi Vine Bluff Cemetery with full military rights.

We would like to thank Huntsman Cancer Institute for their great care mom received and to her special friend and doctor, Dr. Sandra Buys. Also thank you to Dr. Grant Rasmussen, and her many friends and family who helped her through her courageous battle.