Laura Lee (McLaughlin) Phillips

Florence - Laura Lee Phillips, 88, of Florence MT passed away Sunday, May 12, 2024 at the Auberge of Missoula Valley assisted living Facility under the care of the Hestia Hospice team.

She was born June 13, 1935 in Butte, MT, the only child of the late Dean D. and Bonnie J. McLaughlin.

Laura was raised and attended school in Butte. After high school graduation in 1953, she attended Tacoma General Hospital School of Nursing where she became an RN in 1956.

Laura married Jay Russel also is 1956, and together they had 3 children. She continued her education and received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from MSU (1968) and later went on to get a master’s degree in 1982, also from MSU.

Laura married Rodney L Phillips in 1968, and together they raised 3 children, worked, and then retired to a 160-acre farm in Fairfield, MT where they built a log home. After 20 years they moved to Florence, MT.

Laura enjoyed family time at the cabin, boating, fishing, and photographing mountain scenes, flowers, and all of God’s creation.

Laura is survived by 2 daughters, Deborah Russell, and Linda Johnston and husband Bob, daughter-in-law Renee Phillips, 12 grand-children, and many great- grandchildren.

Laura is preceded in death by her parents Dean and Bonnie McLaughlin, her husband, Rodney Phillips (2014) and her son David D. Phillips (2009).

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, June 1st at 1:00 PM at Florence Carlton Church with David Blackwell officiating.

A private family internment will take place at Silverbow Sunset Gardens in Anaconda.

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