Amy Lee Phillips

The Lord called Amy Lee (Carpenter) Phillips, age 82, home on November 23, 2025, just two days before her 83rd birthday, surrounded by the love of her family. A Mass and Burial will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Walhalla, ND at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will take place on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Rosary service at the church.

Amy was born on November 25, 1942, in Walhalla, ND, to Stanley and Orise (Longtin) Carpenter, the eldest of their children. She grew up as the oldest in a large, lively family which shaped her into the steady, dependable, and quietly resilient woman she became. Her childhood was filled with responsibility, love, and the kind of selflessness that would become her lifelong hallmark. As her siblings often recall, Amy was the one they could always count on, from little acts of generosity to guiding hands during life’s challenges.

Amy married Joseph “Joe” Phillips on April 10, 1961, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Walhalla. What began as a young couple’s promise to one another grew into 64 years of deep love, steadfast commitment, and shared purpose. Together, Amy and Joe raised their four children — Penny, David, Dale, and Paula — nurturing a home filled with faith, warmth, and unwavering devotion to family.

Throughout her life, Amy poured her time and talents into meaningful work and service. She worked at the local school, where she helped support children with special needs, a role that suited her gentle patience and deep compassion. Her time working in a greenhouse nurtured the love of gardening she carried throughout her life. Amy also devoted countless hours to her community through the American Legion Auxiliary, Township Secretary, teaching Sunday School, and volunteering with 4-H. In every place she served, she brought kindness, steadiness, and a heart committed to helping others grow.

 Her gifts were simple and sincere, and she used them generously, always finding ways to bring beauty, comfort, and God’s grace into the lives of others. She tended her garden with devotion, cared for her home with love, and shared her creativity through years of painting with her Brush Bunch group. That circle of friends was a source of joy for her, a place where she laughed, learned, encouraged others, and found fellowship through art.

Amy’s faith was the guiding force of her life. She was deeply involved with St. Boniface Catholic Church, serving faithfully through the Altar Society and countless volunteer efforts. Her most enduring community legacy began one Christmas morning when she noticed several parishioners at church who had nowhere to spend the holiday. With her signature combination of compassion and action, she created the Annual Community Christmas Dinner, ensuring that no one in Walhalla would ever spend Christmas Day alone. That tradition continues today, touching generations with her spirit of inclusion and love.

Above all else, Amy was her family’s rock, the calm, steady leader who showed her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren what strength, grace, and quiet courage look like. Her devotion was constant, her love unconditional, and her presence a source of comfort and wisdom.

Amy leaves behind her loving husband, Joe; her children, Penny Phillips, David (Roberta) Phillips all of Grand Forks, ND, Dale Phillips of Walhalla, ND, and Paula Kyle of Parker CO; her grandchildren Philip Coon, Christina (Nick-dec.) McLamb, Sheyanne (Tyler) King, Jordan Helgason, Kassidy Kyle, and Joseph Jarvis; and her great-grandchildren Gideon, Evelyn, Katherine, Rowan, Finnuala, Charlotte, Rhodes, Magnus and Ari.

She is also survived by her siblings Jim (Kathleen) Carpenter, Mike (Ruth) Carpenter, Tim (Noreen) Carpenter, Jeff (Renae) Carpenter, Karen (Steve) Danielson, and Roxann Carpenter, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who cherished her dearly.

Amy was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Orise Carpenter; her siblings Jerry Carpenter and Richard (Dick) Carpenter; grandson Nathan; and other beloved family members who welcomed her home with open arms.

Her life was a testament to faith lived out loud, service offered freely, and love given generously. Amy’s legacy will forever bloom in the hearts of those who knew her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”