Lucy Phyllis Smith

Aug 20, 1933 -

Oct 27, 2025

Phyllis Smith passed away peacefully, at age 92, on Oct. 27, 2025, surrounded by family and held by her husband of 66 years.

She was born in Fort Pierce, Fla., to Phillips and Gladys Platts. The middle child between two brothers, she could always hold her own. Her father was an educator and a pineapple farmer, and Phyllis often helped at the family fruit stand. She attended a one-room schoolhouse, was an excellent student and was delighted when her teacher asked if she wanted to skip a grade. She graduated at 16, and went to Florida State University on a scholarship where she earned a teaching degree.

An adventurous spirit from the start, she spent weekends as a navigator in road rally races. After teaching in Florida, she seized an opportunity to become a teacher on a U.S. Army base in France. That bold decision led to a lifetime of love and travel. While abroad she met a handsome young lieutenant, Rodney Smith. They were married in Chinon, France, and honeymooned across Europe in Rod's powder blue Porsche.

When they returned to the United States, Rod's career took them to Wyoming, Montana, Utah, and finally to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1970. Though she often called herself a "Florida girl," Phyllis embraced Alaska life, cheering at ski races and chilly running events for son Doug and braving dark, icy mornings to drive daughter Michele to 5:30 a.m. figure skating practice. She was active in the Petroleum Wives Club, the Newcomers/Long-timers Club and the Anchorage Bridge Center. She loved to play any game, and especially loved Bridge and Scrabble.

Once her children were grown Phyllis became a secretary at the Whaley Center, a job she loved. She cherished the staff, families and especially the students. Helping others was second nature; she and Rod donated to dozens of charities and volunteered at F.I.S.H., packing and delivering food to families in need.

A devoted grandmother, Phyllis was a constant presence at her grandchildren's sporting activities, dance and theater events. Whether in Anchorage or Colorado, she was always in the stands cheering them on.

After retirement, Phyllis and Rod returned to their shared love of travel, revisiting the European towns where their story began and exploring more than 25 countries, often with dear friends Bob and Elaine Engel.

In 2020, Phyllis suffered a stroke and spent eight days in the hospital without visitors due to COVID-19 restrictions, an unimaginably difficult experience. Yet she faced recovery with her trademark grace, courage and quiet determination. Even as vascular dementia slowly progressed, her joy and faith never wavered. Her dinner prayers were legendary; long, heartfelt reflections filled with gratitude and compassion for family, friends and all in need. More than once the food grew cold while everyone waited, smiling, for her final "Amen." As a testament to her heart, she always ended a conversation saying, "I love you," whether to family, friends, nurses or waitstaff. As words became harder to find, she would simply point and say, "Love."

Phyllis will be remembered for her kindness, warmth and humor. She had a gift for making everyone feel seen and valued. Her love, steady, patient and unconditional, anchored her family through every season of life.

She is survived by her husband, Rodney; daughter, Michele Hendrickson (Ed); son, Doug (Joyce); brother, Paul; grandchildren, Christina (Sam), John, Alex, Sandi and granddog Yoda. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Clyde; and sister-in-law, Shirley.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort knowing she is reunited with loved ones and her Heavenly Father. A memorial service will be held at St. John United Methodist Church at 2:30 p.m., on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. To watch the services virtually, please join via the St. John Anchorage YouTube channel.