Phyllis D Daniels

In the early morning hours of April 23, 2024, On the wings of angels Phyllis transcended this earthly plain. Phyllis was born May 1, 1943, to Thomas and Rose Poulos and raised in Murray, Utah. Just 11 months later she was joined by sister Georgia and 4 years later welcomed their little brother Tom. The 3 of them were very close and loved living and growing up near family. They spent many hours at Murray Park Swimming pool, it was one of her favorite childhood memories. Phyllis was especially close to her Grandmother Manda, who she affectionally called “Bubba”. She graduated from Murray High School, married Jerry Hartman and started her family there. She had 4 boys, Shaun, Thomas, and Chris Hartman, and James Wight Hartman. (later divorced). Thomas was born with Down Syndrome. Phyllis worked tirelessly to raise him with the same rules and responsibilities that the other boys had. He was not expected to live past 10 years old because of a heart defect. (He will turn 60 in June!) He graduated from high school just like the other boys. She became a teacher to special needs children. Phyllis wanted a change, moving to Denver Colorado, where she became an insurance adjustor for Etna. She met and married Lyle Daniels there. She, her boys and husband shared many adventures. They moved to Cody Wyoming where they managed The Pahaska Tepee Resort Lodge. Moved to Roswell New Mexico, she was an aerobics instructor, and taught many fitness classes. (She and Tom worked out 5 days a week until the last 3 weeks of her life.) On to California, where Tom had open heart surgery to repair his heart at the age of 30. Phyllis worked for: In Home Supportive Services and was very involved with Special Olympics, the Santa Rosa Parks Department, and was President of the Sonoma County Respite Services Board of Directors. She and Tom taught an aerobics class co-sponsored through the Special Olympics and the Parks and recreation Department for the developmentally disabled and an abled partner. She and Tom were a team delivering Meals on wheels in San Rosa, California. Phyllis encouraged Tom in his art. He designed and painted a new design each year. They made magnets and T shirts to give and sell to friends and family. Finally retiring to St. George in 2011. She loved Zion National Park, Goat Rock Beach in the San Francisco area, and loved the whole bay area. Loved doing puzzles, was an avid reader, watching Football and Basketball, and was a lifelong Raiders and Jazz fan. She knew ALL the players’ names throughout all of her 60+ years of being a fan. Phyllis loved arts and crafts and gave handmade ornaments every Christmas. She and Tom worked and or volunteered in every city that she lived in. They won many awards, and accolades for her service in all of the cities that she lived in. She filled her life with advocating for people with disabilities. They enjoyed working then volunteering for Active Life Senior Center in St. George for the last 12 years, where Phyllis served as the Vice President of the Advisory Board. We wish to thank the Intermountain Cancer Center, Dr. Reece, and all of the wonderful nurses there. Also, Dixie Home Hospice for their love and care in her last week, she passed quickly after a 14-month battle against Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Survived by her sister Georgia (Eloy) Vigil, sons Shaun (Suzanne) Hartman, Thomas Hartman, Chris (DeVone) Hartman, 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and friends, as well as heart-chosen daughter Tracey Wight Parks and the entire Wight family and dear and special friend Verna Shelton. Preceded in death by, her parents, brother Tom and son James. As well as many dear friends. What a glorious reunion it must have been when she was greeted by them and her beloved Bubba. We will miss the long talks, the laughter, your positive affirmations and love of life! Rest in the arms of the angel’s dear lady. There will be a luncheon and Celebration of life on May 1, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at the Active Life (Senior Center) where she and Tom were volunteers for the last 12 years. 245 N 200 W St. George, Utah 84770. She and Tom spent the last 27 years taking care of each other. Each morning, as they drank their cup of coffee, they would share the following toast: “I choose to be happy today. I choose to be positive today. I choose Joy today, for you, for me, for us!” Family and friends are invited to share tributes online at www.SerenityStG.com. Arrangements and memorial tree planting by Serenity Funeral Home of Southern Utah, 435-986-9100.

Phyllis D Daniels

May 1, 1943 - April 23, 2024