Phyllis Yarter

Phyllis Grace Anderson Cuffe Yarter left her earthly home on the last day of December and the last day of the decade, December 31, 2019, to be with our Lord Jesus Christ.

She died peacefully at the Courtyard, in Colfax, where she had been living for the last five years. Born to Dr. Carl E. Anderson and Grace Blake Anderson R.N. in Brainard, Minn., November 7, 1929, she was the youngest of three children. She grew up loving Minnesota and all it had to offer.

She married Patrick James Cuffe on May 5, 1950. Together they would migrate to Washington state, where they would raise six children: David (Teresa) California; Michelle Moore (Pat) Spokane, Wash .; Kathy Cuffe, (Kim) Creston, Wash .; Patricia Redding (Ed) Spokane; Lea Ludington (Keith)Thornton, Wash., and Patrick Cuffe Jr. Later, they would both return to Minnesota for a decade before Patrick would pass with her at his side.

In those moments, she began what would be known as her Cross ministry. The first cross, a pink one, crocheted with faith and love for her dear Lord Jesus Christ. The many crosses and rosaries that would follow would be given to friends and relatives, priests, nuns and sisters and Catholic Missions all around the world. These blessed items were placed in many foreign cathedrals and churches as family and friends donated and shared them in their travels. Phyllis loved quilting and has gifted most of her friends and family with her art.

Life brought her a second husband. She would marry Clarence Yarter in the early 90's and they would move to Colfax as they aged, to be closer to family. He died in 2013. She was blessed in so many ways by Colfax, the loving, safe community that watched out for her, loved her and cared for her as she aged. St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Colfax, Fr. Sean Thomson, who visited her frequently in and out of the hospital as her health changed, the ladies of her Wednesday Bible study, the lay Eucharistic ministers that blessed her with our Lord on Fridays, her dear friends that faithfully visited her, especially Cheryl, who in later years would take her to Mass each Sunday and keep her safe.

Much love and thanks to Father Michael Savelesky, Holy Rosary Church, Rosalia, Wash., who also cared for her and family. Phyllis loved the staff and the other residents at the Courtyard, they were so loving and caring to her and all the other residents, she was able to make friends and be blessed in her life.

Preceded in death by her parents; brother Nyman, sister Phoebe, husband Patrick, four children that she now has been reunited with and second husband Clarence. She will be buried in Thornton, Wash., at a later date.

She asked me to invite her family and friends to pray for her soul, as they go to church on January 12, 2020.