Phil Wendell Foutz Obituary (1928 - 2016)

Phil Wendell Foutz, 88, of Orem, Utah passed from this life Saturday, September 10, 2016 in Orem, Utah. He was born February 28, 1928 in Farmington, New Mexico. Phil Wendell Foutz was born in Farmington, NM on February 28, 1928. He was the third child and second son born to Leroy Foutz and Gertrude Biggs Foutz. His dad was an Indian Trader so Phil spent his early childhood years at various trading posts on the reservation. He learned to speak Navajo at an early age as he played with the Navajo children that came to the store with their parents. The skill came in handy in later years as he operated his many trading post on the reservation. His family eventually moved off the reservation so that the children could attend school. They bought a home in Kirtland New Mexico that became a permanent home for their growing family. Through the years more children were added making six in all. Four boys and two girls. Phil and all his siblings attended Kirtland Central Schools along with their family and friends. Phil was always a leader. He was class president, football captain, as well as captain of the basketball team. He also played the clarinet in the high school band. He completed high school in three years in anticipation of being drafted into the armed services but the draft ended before he was old enough so he never served in the military. After high school Phil went to a semester of college in Los Cruces New Mexico. After that semester he came back to Kirtland and married Melba Gallagher and they became the parents of 8 children. Phil finally realized his lifelong dream of a college degree when he graduated from Fort Lewis College in 1982. Phil was a bishop twice, the first time in Gallup New Mexico in the late 1950's and the second in the newly created 3rd ward in Kirtland New Mexico in the late 1970's Phil was a businessman, a farmer, a rancher and loved the challenge of a new business adventure. He was very generous and giving. He served four missions, the first with Melba in Australia, the second was on the Navajo reservation as an interpreter for the missionaries, the third was with Ann in South Africa for two years, and the fourth was with Ann in the humanitarian center mission in Provo, Utah. Phil is survived by one brother Arliss (Bette) Foutz. Phil's children are Melaney (Moroni) Quereto, Teresa (Jim) Duncan, Joel (Sherry) Foutz, Blaine (Cindra) Foutz, Brooke (Brad) Duncan, Darla (Clarke) Stevens, Marty (Karla) Foutz & Brian (Lottie) Foutz. He has 35 grandchildren, over 100 great grandchildren, and 11 great,great, grandchildren. Phil married Ann Farnsworth on the Navajo reservation at Crown Point, New Mexico on 22 April 1988. Ann has four children Kim (Preston) Thayne, Kelly (Jamie) Martin, Kevin (Shiori) Farnsworth, and KerrieLeigh (Chris) Hill. Phil and Ann have 19 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. After returning from the mission in South Africa with Ann and many years of working on the Indian reservation and his ranch in NM he finally retired at the age of 76. During Phil's retirement he enjoyed his many callings in the LDS church including serving in the Mount Timpanogos Temple for 10 years. Phil served in many positions in the church and was a faithful home teacher. He formed many lasting and meaningful friendships throughout the years. Phil and Ann loved to travel and went on many trips traveling the world. During the last 17 years while living in Orem Utah Phil's passion was reading, studying the gospel, spending time with his children, grandchildren, and enjoying his daily walks. When his daily walks became too difficult Phil spent many hours sitting on the deck in his backyard gazing toward Mount Timpanogos because he loved the view. God be with you til we meet again. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, September 16, 2016 in the Cascade Third Ward Chapel Ward Chapel, 1051 E. 200 N. Orem, Utah with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the services. Family and friends may also attend a service at 10 a.m. Monday September 19 in the LDS Ward Chapel, 473 County Road 6100 in Kirtland, New Mexico. Interment will follow at the KirtlandI and Fruitland Cemetery, 59 Road 6575 in Kirtland. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com