Phyllis Jeanne Snow, 88

Dr. Phyllis Jeanne Snow, 88, a longtime resident of the Flathead Valley, passed away peacefully in her sleep and with her long-term caregiver Carol Watson nearby, in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24 2022.

She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Eugene Scudder and Virginia Bowen Scudder; as well as husbands Dr. Owen Thayer Marsh (d. 1966) and Donald Dudgeon Snow (1927-2015). She also leaves behind many extended family members and friends.

Phyllis was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on June 21, 1934. She graduated from Poland Seminary High School in Mahoning County, Ohio, developing very early interests in music and science. Phyllis was an accomplished pianist, violinist and flautist, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music, at Indiana University. Following that, she earned a Master of Science in Geology at Indiana University, and later a Ph.D. in Watershed Management at the University of Montana.

These interests continued throughout her life. As a professional, she worked for the United States Forest Service in Kalispell for many years as a hydrologist. Following her vigorous love of music, she constantly enjoyed her baby grand piano in her home, played violin for many years with the Glacier Symphony Orchestra, as well as flute with the Flathead Valley Community Band. One of the highlights of her life — with her dear husband Don, an accomplished bassist — she greatly enjoyed her significant role in the violin section of the orchestra and at the same time with Don on double bass.

Phyllis was truly an academic — greatly enjoying her interests in geology, natural sciences and certainly music. She was a “people person” – loving dynamic conversations with her close friends and colleagues and certainly in her later years, those conversations and participation in classical music.

Phyllis actively volunteered professionally as well as in her community. She was the first female General Chair of the Western Snow Conference (1997-98), volunteered frequently for the American Red Cross, and with her husband Don – vigorously and for many years – volunteered and worked for Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana. With this endeavor, she, Don and her team of volunteers, developed a major extension of the Rails to Trails system, connecting Kila, Montana to Kalispell.

Recreationally, a very important part of her life was her many canine companions, who loved their long daily walks as well as the treats she carefully wrapped up from her restaurant visits. Noteworthy of Phyllis and to ensure that her dog “Patches” would be cared for following her passing, she provided for this financially, with a small but notable provision in her will. Additionally, she and her husband Don were active in many activities out-of-doors, including bicycling and skiing.

Phyllis touched the lives of many people, and she will be dearly missed.

Her remains were cremated and following her wishes, will be “scattered in the mountains." A remembrance for Phyllis is planned for late spring or summer, “maybe on a nice day and with music and flowers.” Gifts in her memory are suggested for Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana or to the Flathead County Animal Shelter. The extended family thanks Phyllis’ in-home care team for their compassionate care. These angels: Carol, Melissa, Karen, Dee, Liz and Cindy, as well as her neighbors Laurie and Glen, enabled Phyllis to remain in her home until her passing. Thanks to her visiting friends, who enriched her days with music, stories and reminiscences. Thanks also to Tracy, her exceptional CPA, relieving our exacting lady Phyllis of all matters, financial. Finally, special thanks to hospice for helping her passing to be peaceful and dignified.