Phyllis Clarice Bauer
Phyllis passed away peacefully on June 13, 2024 at her home, as was her wish, surrounded by family. She was 102, still playing cards and scrabble, when a fall and broken ribs led to her decline.
Phyllis was born on February 15, 1922 in Northport, Nebraska. She was the youngest of eight, born to Clarence W. and Laura M. Mount. Growing up on a farm during the depression and dust bowl days, she graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1940. Phyllis taught 26 students of all ages in a one room school house before attending Chadron State College. She then taught elementary school in Torrington, Wyoming. Traveling by train to Washington D.C., Phyllis worked for an investment firm and then at the Washington railroad terminal as a ticket agent. Returning to Nebraska following the death of her sister Esther, Phyllis moved to Denver where she worked for the telephone company and joined Calvary Baptist Church. As a young lady, she enjoyed ice skating, dancing and met Walter Bauer at the Rainbow Big Band Ballroom. They were married in 1948 in Denver and raised three children. She was a breast cancer survivor of 50 years.
Family was important to Phyllis and she served as a Girl Scout leader, PTA president, home room mother, Sunday school teacher and Luther League Sponsor. She sewed new dresses and shirts every Christmas and Easter for her children. Neighborhood kids were often invited over to make taffy, fudge and popcorn. When her children were older, she worked in retail at Joslin‘s Fashion store, taught children with disabilities at Ridge School, sewed draperies and upholstered for JC Penney. She loved to paint outdoor scenes with wildlife, raise beautiful flowers, sew quilts for the church and play bridge. As a young lady and in her later years, she enjoyed traveling by bus to see the country, meet new people and visit family. Gathering her family around her for holiday meals, lively discussion, Bronco games and card playing was another favorite pastime.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Walter Bauer. She was the last living member of her Mount family. She is survived by her 3 children and their spouses: Babs and Rick Velategui of Port Ludlow, WA; Carla and Steve Farnam of Bozeman, MT and Ron and Judy Bauer of Helena, MT. She was a proud grandmother to Brian Velategui and wife Bailey, Nicole Stewart and husband Mark Jordan, Nathan Farnam and wife Kettie, Jonathan Farnam and wife Joanna, Randy Hoag and wife Jess, Stacy Baird and husband Tim. She counted 16 great-grand children as blessings: Cody and Ellie Stewart, Silas Velategui, Serenity and Dezian Farnam, Eva, Ethan, Evan and Eli Rindelaub, Nora and Miles Farnam, Ariana Plovanich, Owen and Dylan Hoag, Tanner and Sydney Baird.
Services will be held at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, 3580 N. Benton Ave. Helena, MT, on July 2, 2024 at Noon. A link to live stream the service is available at ourredeemerlives.org. Inurnment at Fort Harrison will follow at 3 PM. Memorials in honor of Phyllis can be made to Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Helena or the American Cancer Society.
A video tribute to her life:
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
Noon
Tuesday July 2, 2024
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
3580 N Benton Ave
Helena,
Inurnment
3:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 2, 2024
Montana State Veteran Cemetery, Fort Harrison
3550 Heroes Rd
Helena,
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Theresa M Bauer says
My thoughts are with the family. My aunt Phyllis was always kind and thoughtful towards her nieces and nephews. She was an amazing person, who lived many fruitful years.
Margie Bauer says
My thoughts are with the family at this time. Aunt Phyllis was a very kind, loving, compassionate lady. I have very fond memories of her. One is growing up at Christmas time, we could always count on getting something from her from Avon. I love that.
Katherine Bauer says
Phyllis Bauer was 102 this past February 15th. I had a nice conversation with Phyllis and she knew all the family and asked about all. She was a wonderful, talented lady and I will miss phone conversations with her. It is wonderful that Phylli did not lose her memory and was “with it” until she fell that night. I am so sorry she suffered the last week of her life. She was a wonderful kind, lady.
Clint Vincent says
What an incredible woman Phyllis was. And what a story she could tell. We are so sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed by a lot of people. May she Rest In Peace.
Jeremy Bauer says
Great Aunt Phyllis will certainly be missed! I have fond memories of visiting her and Walt in Bozeman during a fishing trip and after flying a small plane to Helena for their 50th anniversary.
Phyllis was always so nice, and she even taught me a couple things (who knew you were supposed to take your hat off at the dinner table…?). I’m sure she positively touched the lives of many, and count myself lucky to be one of them!
Jeanette Bauer, niece says
A life supremely well-lived. My thoughts are with Babs, Carla, Ron and their spouses. Sympathy extended to all of the grandchildren and the great-grandchildren for the loss of this remarkable Grandparent. Aunt Phyllis was lucky to have all of you on her team.