Ionia Phebus

Funeral services for Ionia Phebus, 79, of Baker, MT will be 11:00 a. m. Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at the American Lutheran Church in Baker with Pastor Mark Umfleet officiating. Visitation will be 12:00 p. m. to 9:00 p. m. on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p. m. Ionia passed away Sunday, April 23, 2006 at Holy Rosary Health Center in Miles City, MT. Ionia Maude Phebus was born October 6, 1926 in Marmarth, ND to Raymond ?Cub? and June Neomi (Clellen) Wells. Ionia spent her, childhood in Marmarth where her father taught her how to hunt. A hobby she enjoyed into her adult life. In 1942 she moved to Chicago, IL. Where she was employed at Nabisco Biscuit factory and later worked at Fannie Mae Candy Co. When World War II broke out she helped with the war effort on the home front by building parts for Air Force Bombers. In 1947 she married Levi Simmons and to this union was born a son, Donavon Lee. On a family trip from Chicago to Marmarth, Levi was killed in an auto accident. After this Ionia and Donavan moved back to Marmarth. Later she met Drury Gregor Phebus and the two were married on April 4, 1954 at the American Lutheran Church in Baker, MT. To this union, four children were blessed; Dawn Faye, Sherry Rae, Drury Scott, and Mike Anton. The family made their home in Baker and have remained in the area ever since. Ionia?s child raising years were filled with involvement in Bowling, where she won many area and State tournaments. Girl Scouts, 4H Clubs and oil painting. She also did extensive traveling stateside as well as internationally while Drury was Postmaster at Baker, MT. Ionia was Auxiliary President of the Montana branch of the league of Postmasters. President and 50 year member of the American Legion. Ionia is survived by her husband, Drury; three sons, Donovan Lee (Pat) Simmons of Seattle, WA; Drury Scott Phebus of Salt Lake City, UT; Mike Anton (Jessica) Phebus of Klamath Falls, OR; two daughters, Dawn-Faye (David Matte) Phebus of Boise, ID; Sherry Rae Vogel of Baker, MT; one sister Edna Haley of Glasgow, MT; seven grandchildren, Kristine and Greg Simmons; Bruce Phebus; Joshua, Jeremy, Jennica and Jamila Vogel and three great-grandchildren; Noah, Katie and TommyShe is proceeded in death by both of her parents; siblings Royal, Sigel, Hap, Connie, Don, Hokie, Vivian Knight and brother Clair Wells.


Burial Date: April 26, 2006
Funeral Home Baker, MT

Funeral Service: American Lutheran Church, Baker, MT; Wednesday