Lillian(Burruss) Phelps died September 5, 2024 in Richland, WA.
Lillian Virginia Burruss was born November 3, 1929 at Poplar Bluff, Missouri to W.T. “Tom” Burruss Sr. and Edith May (Lindsay) Burruss. Lillian graduated eighth grade from Baskey Grade School in Poplar Bluff and in 1943 left with her father for Benton City Washington where her father worked at Hanford as a carpenter on the Manhattan Project. Lillian worked in asparagus fields, orchards and vineyards during high school and graduated from Kiona-Benton High School in 1947 as salutatorian of her class. In 1948 Lillian married Bud Phelps in Benton City and they were married for over 70 years. When the Old National Bank of Spokane (Later U.S. Bank) opened in Benton City, Lillian was one of the first employees and later became manager. Lillian worked many years with the Benton County Jr. Fair and Rodeo in Benton City, and was a cub scout leader. Lillian volunteered for many years with the Ki-Be All School Reunion committee and it was the happiest event of her life. In 1978 Bud and Lillian moved to Bickleton, WA. where they raised cattle and Lillian continued to work in banking industry. In 2013 Bud and Lillian moved to Prosser, WA. Lillian was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church of Prosser. Lillian is survived by her daughters, Cheryl (Bill) Church, West Richland, Terri Carpenter, Richland, Debra (David) Whitmore, Bickleton and her son Randy Phelps, West Richland. Sister; Janice (John) Fulton, Richland, Brothers David Burruss, Benton City, Michael (Stacee) Burruss of Waynesboro, GA. and a special adopted son Tony Schab of Arizona, 10 Grand Children, 29 Great Grand Children, and 5 Great Great Grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Lillian is preceded in death by her husband, Bud; Parents W.T. “Tom” Burruss, Sr and Mother, Edith May Burruss, and Beloved Step mother Leona Burruss, Brothers; Ronald, Leonard and Tom Burruss; Sisters; Sue Ann Burruss, Barbara Wallace and Donna Hubbard; her beloved grandson Alex Whitmore and beloved son-in-law Philip Lee Carpenter.
The family would like to extend its gratitude and heartfelt thanks to Erica and staff at North Care in Richland for their excellent care and friendship to Mom.
AS PER LILLIAN’S REQUEST THERE WILL BE NO SERVICE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lillian’s Memory to:
Seattle Children’s Hospital Children’s Cancer Center, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 in honor of Acton Michael Combs.
