A True Friend With True Grit

I heard of a dear friend's death today. She and I have been friends for over 6 years. Phyllis saw me through new motherhood, a move to my first home, postpartum depression, divorce, and my search for direction afterward. She showed me by example what it means to be a beautiful, strong, benevolent woman full of true grit. She held my hand and told me what a great woman I was when I needed to hear it most. She allowed me to serve her when it felt like everyone was serving me. She was a pillar of encouragement, strength, positivity and love for me in some very formative years in my life. She will always be a part of what is best in me.

Here is her obituary:

Phyllis Millar Hansen 
(December 26, 1926 - December 26, 2012) 

Phyllis Millar Hansen, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on her birthday, December 26, 2012 at age 86. She died of complications incident to a stroke. Born in Blackfoot, Idaho on December 26, 1926, she was the oldest child of Z. Reed Millar and Urania Berthelson. She was raised in Boise, Idaho and married Clyde Winston Hansen in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 1, 1949.

She dearly loved her family, and found great fulfillment in being a parent to her seven children, a grandmother to 29 grandchildren, and great-grandmother to 17 great-grandchildren. She was a life-long devoted member of the LDS Church, and drew great strength through her life from the gospel of Jesus Christ. Her strength is reflected in the legacy she has left to her children, extended family, and friends. Upon retirement, Phyllis served a full-time proselyting mission in Tucson, Arizona.
After raising her children, she returned to BYU to get a Masters Degree in Social Work. She was involved with the hospice program in Utah Valley from its inception. She has counseled families through the death and dying process, and has blessed numerous lives. She conducted many bereavement groups which assisted people to deal with the grief associated with the loss of loved ones.
In her advanced years, Phyllis loved being involved in Elder Quest, an organization for people in their golden years to continue learning. She served as president of the organization. For many years she taught “Becoming a Better You” class. She loved the relationships she made in that organization.
The family expresses gratitude for the Courtyard at Jamestown, where she was blessed by a loving and caring staff who cared for her needs.
Phyllis is survived by Leslie (Guy) Probert, Provo, UT; Scott (Lori) Hansen, Provo, UT; Patrice (Edward) Attryde, Ft. Duchesne, UT; Kevin (Kara) Hansen, Phoenix, AZ; David (Debi) Hansen, American Fork, UT; Andrew (Tresa) Hansen, American Fork UT; and Dwight (Patrice) Hansen, Heber City, UT. Additional survivors include her siblings Robert Millar, Carol Ann (James) Shepherd, and Steven Millar.
Phyllis is preceded in death by her sister Marjorie Luke, and brother Z. Reed Millar Jr.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 1 p.m. at Sundberg Olpin Mortuary, 495 S. State St., Orem, Utah. A viewing will be held prior the funeral from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery.