Everson resident Lelia “Irene” Philliber, known for her energetic and strong disposition, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017 at the Christian Health Care Center of Lynden.
Irene, the oldest of 11 siblings, was born June 28, 1921 to parents Lewis and Verna (Walmer) Leibrant in Sumas. She was a lifelong resident of Whatcom County. Irene attended Liberty School and Glen Echo Grade School and then graduated with the class of 1939 from Mount Baker High School.
Irene married Orville “LeRoy” Philliber in September 1941 in Yuma, Arizona. Together they had four children, Alvin, Jeanette, Clarice and Brian.
Irene loved visiting the southwestern part of the United States and at age 88 drove herself to Yuma. She enjoyed gardening on the 60 acres she and her husband Roy shared. Irene was family-oriented and loved getting together and “flapping jaws.”
Irene was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, LeRoy; brother Kenneth, sister Luella Bock, son Alvin and daughter Jeanette Donnelly.
She is survived by children Brian (Susan) Philliber and Clarice (Dave) Wiedenhoft; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She will be missed by her sisters Clara Jacobson, Ann (Gerald) Bock, Mary (Bill) Christensen and Emily (Robert) Regnier; brothers Donald Leibrant, Charles (Avonne) Leibrant, Vernon (Karen) Leibrant and John (Muriel) Leibrant; and numerous nieces and nephews.
You are invited to join the family for a 10 a.m. graveside service on Friday, Oct. 13, in Greenacres Memorial Park, corner of Axton and Northwest roads, Ferndale. The family will be having an open house for family and friends at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, in the Glen Echo Community Building, corner of South Pass and Goodwin roads east of Everson.
Memorials can be made to the Deming Logging Show, P.O. Box 837, Deming, WA 98244; or the Christian Health Care Center, 855 Aaron Dr., Lynden, WA 98264.
You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.
