Phyllis M. Halmes went home to Jesus on May 5, 2020. She is dancing and singing praises to our Father in heaven alongside the love of her life, Eugene M. Halmes, who preceded her to their eternal home in 2007. No doubt she’s had many hugs from her friends and family there.
Phyllis was born in Great Falls, MT, to Judy and Harry Landgren on June 27, 1931. They, along with her beloved sister, Barb [Landgren] Osborne, have also gone home to Jesus. Her eldest daughter, Susan [Halmes] Jacobs, made that journey as well in May of 2015.
My sister Susan, my brother Bill (“Wayne”) Halmes and I (Sandie [Halmes] Metcalf) were blessed to be raised in a home where we were guided to know and understand the saving grace, knowledge and acceptance of Jesus as our Lord and Savior through our mother’s prayers and example. She was an amazing lady.
During our growing up years on the ranch between Belt and Highwood, our parents took in and helped make a difference in the lives of quite a few “foster” sons and one “foster” daughter. Some were wards of the state, but most were not. We counted 22 over the years! Mom and Dad took in kids who needed a little extra love. When they sold the ranch at Belt and bought the one at White Sulphur Springs, they continued taking in boys there. Some became my forever brothers and permanent members of our family.
Doug Forest, who helped my folks countless times over the years, both physically and financially, has been a part of our family since he was a young high schooler in Great Falls, over 40 years ago. Joe LaTray, who came to us as a high school aged student, has remained in our lives as well. Benny Parker was a White Sulphur kid, and he spent a number of years with our family too. So many young men, so many stories.
For mom and dad, taking in extra kids was just something they did as naturally as breathing. Many of those kids came to know Jesus through our mom. She made a difference on this planet and she will be greatly missed.
Bill and I will get to see our mom again. We are so very thankful for that.
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