Rudy Lee Phillips

Rudy Lee Phillips, 81, of Troy MT (formerly of Laurel), died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday November 19, 2008 at his home on Angel Island. He was born December 26, 1926 in Laurel, MT, the fourth of six children, to William Julia (Hackert) Phillips. His wife, Bligh, and his brothers, Hack, Cliff, Harry and Jim, preceded him in death. Rudy grew up in Laurel and graduated from LHS, always to be a loyal Locomotive. To be with his older brothers, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy. A WWII veteran, he was honorably discharged in1947. Rudy and Edythe (Bligh) Busby were married in Saint Anthony#8217;s church in Laurel, on September 10, 1948. He attended EMC and began employment at Carter Oil Company in Billings, MT. He retired as an Operations Superintendent in 1986, after 38 years with ExxonMobile. Rudy#8217;s work included world travel, which Short and Bligh thoroughly enjoyed. After his retirement, he (Short) and Bligh moved into their dream home on Angle Island in northern Montana. Rudy was a Past Post Commander of the Laurel VFW. As an outdoor sportsman, he was a member of the Rod Gun Club. Short and Bligh loved square dancing with their friends. Rudy was co-founder of the Aqua Knights Dive Team of Laurel, MT. Above all; Rudy was a devoted husband and family man. He was also the proud uncle of 36 nieces and nephews. Survivors include his sister Armelda (Michael) Sassano of Helena, MT; his five children, David L. Phillips of Butte, MT; Susan B. Whittaker of Troy, MT; Coberly A. Phillips of Bozeman, MT; Cory J. Phillips (Debi) of Edgar, MT, Glenn Richard (Julie) Phillips of Laurel, MT; thirteen grandchildren; Lesley, Christina, Cory, Scott, Kelly, Michael, Cassandra, Kristopher, David, Brian, Kelsey, Brittany, Espry and thirteen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Saturday November 29, 2008 at Saint Anthony#8217;s Parish 700 W 3rd St in Laurel, MT at 11:00am. Rudy and Bligh will be laid to rest together in the Laurel Cemetery following the memorial service. A luncheon will follow at Saint Anthony#8217;s Parish Hall.