Sarah Phillips

SARAH PHILLIPS Click here to view a video of Sarah's life IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Sarah Joy Phillips stepped into eternity on July 24, 2008, from Idaho Falls, Idaho. Born April 10, 1990 in Moscow, Idaho, Sarah brightened and blessed our lives for over 18 years. She fought the cancer that claimed her with the same determination that marked the rest of her life. While it is impossible to summarize her life in a few short paragraphs, the following aspects are of great value to those who love her. Sarah had the heart of a giver, generously sharing whatever she had with those in need. It was at her insistence that our family began sending shoe boxes to Operation Christmas Child each year. A sharp wit filled her conversation, and she could convince anyone to hire her for any job. This mental acuity also served her well on Skyline High's debate team. She demonstrated a sweet tenderness toward animals, and single-handedly brought home 14 stray cats and kittens, and three puppies, all of which stayed. She enjoyed daring thrills, from being a flyer on the Nampa High cheerleading squad, to racing her mom and brothers down Bogus Basin on her snowboard. From her earliest years, Sarah's faith in the Lord Jesus took root and grew. She enjoyed Awanas Bible Clubs and was baptized at College Church of the Nazarene at age 12. Her teen years had turbulent times of struggle and challenge, yet God gently drew her to his heart again and again. The last two weeks of her life were pronounced by a sweet surrender to His loving pursuit. Sarah was married to Paul Michael Tardani on July 20, 2008, in a church-officiated ceremony at home. This union, though not licensed, allowed two wonderful people to fulfill their long-held dream only days before she went to her real home in heaven. She is survived by her parents, Michael and Christine Phillips, her brothers (also her best friends) Jordan Phillips, 21, Jonathan Phillips, 15, and Stephen Phillips, 13, her grandparents, Lyle and Naida Olson of Pocatello, Idaho, and Edith and Gene Lloyd of San Marcos, CA, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. "Sarah, Baby, we love you and will see you soon. Be watching for us." The family will visit with friends at a viewing Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, August 1, 2008 at Calvary Chapel, 4250 South 25th East, Idaho Falls. Graveside Services will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery in Pocatello. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent in Sarah's name to Operation Christmas Child, through Samaritan's Purse, www.samaritanspurse.org. --------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: stranger I am glad that she was able to enjoy a laptop and ipod for the past year. Aussie Leanne (from Apple) Dear Chris & family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I'll be praying that God will uphold and comfort you as you grieve the loss of your precious daughter/sister. Much love & prayers, Leanne. Julie Babinski hbjib59@aol.com Dear Phillips Family, I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am that Sarah lost her battle. I do thank you for keeping us all updated. It made it easy to keep our prayer chain going. I do want you to know that we had people all over the world praying for her. She did change so many lives for the better. Her illness brought so many people closer to our Lord and Savior. We will continue to pray for the family. Always know, you are all welcome in our home. Come one or come all . We have enough room and only about 1/2 mile from the beach. Maybe some California sunshine would help? I am so glad I was able to spend time with Sarah during the weekend of Gabe's wedding. We did have fun. A beautiful girl. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Julie Barb Verbonich verbonichm@aol.com . . . a destiny fulfilled, a legacy established, precious memories of the past . . . tenderness and grace in the present and glorious promises of the future. What a beautiful story Sarah's life is. The entire Phillips family and dear Paul have blessed us all with their transparency . . . helping each of us to witness the full circle of life. Our Michael was among those to welcome dear Sarah home and we are assured that all is well. May the Lord's intercession continue to turn these events into some of the most treasured in your lives. May Sarah's grace and faith bring hundreds to full knowledge of our place in the family of God. With admiration, love and prayers, Barb and Family Jan Wright jan83404@hotmail.com My heart goes out to you for the loss of Sarah. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Arleigh Starks boschdc5@gmail.com Sarah was so full of life. She was my sister Ashleigh's best friend. I never got the chance to say good bye. neither did my sister. I loved Sarah.. I love her still and I will forever. She and my sister were a breed of their own. Lol, They gave me a lot of good laughs those too. I love You sarah. Go make heaven a much more beautiful place. You are a shining star. Rest in soft peace, Beautiful Sarah. We all love you. Arleigh Susan McKinley ksmckinley@msn.com Chris I am so deeply sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family during this time of grief. She was a wonderful girl, much like her mother. Candy List cllist@juno.com You are all in our prayers as you continue to heal from such a great loss. Sincerely, Candy & Paul List Members of the Reliv Family Alex Neddo So sorry about Sarah. It really hurts that I haven't kept in contact with her these last years, but she was the first friend I ever knew growing up. I love her dearly, and I am so glad she is up walking the streets of gold with God. :) She's one lucky girl. My prayers are with you all. I love you Sarah. This isn't goodbye for you are forever in my heart, my friend and my sister in Christ. I'll see you in heaven someday dear. Miss you much. You are such a beautiful person. :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) xoxo Debbie and Ted Wheeler debwhe@gmail.com Dear Chris and Mike, We were so surprised and grieved to hear that Sarah had cancer and has now gone to heaven. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We miss seeing you in Sunday School! Love, Debbie and Ted Lee and Carol Andersen and family We're so sorry that you've had such a heavy cross to bear in the loss of your dear Sarah. As a family who has also lost a child, we feel your pain, but we also know that as we are called on to bear such trials, we're also given strength and the comfort of the Holy Spirit beyond our understanding. May you continue to feel His presence in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. We love you and remember the times you spent with us and our girls when you were young. Gayle Heuer gayle@heuer.myrf.net Dear Chris and family, Although I didn't really know Sarah well, she and your family were in my prayers throughout her period of illness and still are. Her strength and persistence to beat the cancer was amazing. Our Lord has been walking beside her, and has carried her into His kingdom to be with Him forever. Thanks be to God that her faith was restored and that you will all be reunited someday. This is the best gift of all! I really value our friendship, Chris . . . please call any time! In His Love, Gayle Gregg & Joyce Simmons We are so sorry to hear of Sarah's passing. We remember her as a vibrant, energetic girl. We hope there is peace in knowing her suffering is over. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, The Gregg Simmons family Glenn Biladeau My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Ervin & Dolores Brubaker doloresbrubaker@mac.com So very sorry to hear of your daughter's passing. I know many people have been praying for her and your family. We will continue to pray for you during this time. May God give you comfort and strength. Ervin & Dolores Brubaker Scott and Lisa Marcotte marcotteid@cableone.net Scott and I would just like to let you know how deeply saddened we were to hear of Sarah's passing. We know how close Jeremy and she were and always wished things had turned out better between the two. Again please accept our condelences. Dorothy Layon layon.net Sincere sympathy to you all from The Layon Family Jacquelyn Knoblock hym8nce_89@hotmail.com I am so terribly sorry and my heart goes out to all who loved her. I didn't find this out until today, August 11, 2008. I was shocked to the point that I had no emotion toward it. Until I looked at her pictures and saw her face, it hit me. I really did love her and am angry at myself for not keeping in touch like I should've. I moved away from Nampa High and she went to Idaho Falls, we lost contact but found a way to each other later on. I remember taking pictures at school lunch with Keysha, Ashleigh, Kaydee, Tiki, Nickie, Sarah and myself. I remember staying out until all hours of the night with her and Kaydee and I remember her mom calling mine wondering where we where. We had great times spent together, but not enough. I remember her visiting us all over here in Boise, and I remember the one time she called me to hang out and I didn't. I'm sorry I never got the chance to say goodbye. I will miss you forever girl! Love Always, Jacquelyn K. Sarah Roberts I'm so glad for the chance to know Sarah in my life and I'm sorry to hear of the loss of such a beautiful girl . Quila Buhler qbuhler@gmail.com Receiving updates on Sarah's progress was such a wonderful gesture and such a sacrifice. Sarah was included in so many peoples prayers on a daily basis. There are no words that can describe what you are going through. Having lost a daughter myself - it is heart wrenching. The last time I was able to spend time with Sarah was lunch at Subway, it is a memory that I will always cherish. May the Lord be with your family at this time and throughout the coming months.