PHELPS, Elizabeth Jane

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Sunday, June 13, 2010 Elizabeth Jane Phelps, age 84, passed away June 3, 2010, in Prescott Valley, Ariz. She was born July 8, 1925, in Marshall, Ark. Soon after, her family moved to a small farm outside of Chickasha, Okla. Some of her fondest memories are of life on that farm with her nine brothers and sisters. After high school, Jane attended the Oklahoma College for Women (OCW) in Chickasha, Okla., where she earned her teaching degree with an emphasis on art. She married her childhood sweetheart, C. Fred Phelps, and then went to work as an elementary school teacher. She taught school, mostly first grade, until her retirement. During her life, she and Fred moved a few times as he pursued his college teaching career. They spent seven years in Kearney, Neb., and then lived in Sioux City, Iowa, until they retired. After retirement, they moved to Prescott, Ariz., and lived there (with a brief hiatus) until their deaths. No matter where Jane resided, she was surrounded by friends that she loved. She was active in the United Methodist Church and enjoyed playing bridge. She loved to travel and entertain and enjoyed life to the fullest. Her family and friends were always first in her heart and mind. She is survived by her daughter Liz Riley; her three grandchildren, Tara Phelps, Sean McKinney and Cameron Riley; two brothers, R.C. Holder and James Holder; and four sisters, Alta Davis, Sybil Carter, Florence Smith, and Daphene Furra. No services are planned. Heritage Memory Mortuary is caring for the family. Information provided by survivors.