July 8, 1984 – March 8, 2011

Carly, born July 8, 1984, passed away Tuesday, March 8, in Bend, Oregon. A lover of the outdoors, Carly resided in Missoula, Montana, near the beautiful Glacier and Yellowstone National

parks with her longtime love, Mike Elliott, their dog, Bruce and their two cats, Truck and Olive. Carly was a graduate of Oregon State University with a degree in Sociology and a masters degree in Environmental Sociology from the University of Montana.

She had a passion for helping people, especially children and young adults, and had recently worked for EPI in Missoula, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing field science partnerships that teach high school students to address critical conservation issues. When Carly wasnt busy working, she was off on her next adventure. She spent time with her family and boyfriend camping, hiking, fly-fishing and enjoying the beauty of Central Oregon and Montana. Carly was raised in Pleasant Hill and graduated from College Park High School in 2002. She began her undergraduate studies at OSU while her family relocated to Bend, Oregon. After graduation, she spent time in Ecuador volunteering with an animal rescue center in the Andes Mountains. When she returned home, she moved to Portland and began work at Multnomah Outdoors School on the Sandy River. Carly taught children about the outdoors and the importance of a clean environment. She had the utmost love and respect for the kids that came from tough situations and were looking for ways to make their lives better. After leaving the Outdoors School, she accepted a job at Reynolds High School in Gresham, Oregon, as an interpreter and night instructor for Spanish speaking students seeking their GED. She was inspired by her students work ethic and courage. Carly loved Montana and was thrilled to accept a full ride scholarship to attend the University of Montana, Missoula, where she had settled down with her boyfriend, Mike and their beloved pets. The common thread through her lifes experiences is her concern for others and the grace with which she carried herself.

Carly was such a kind person and always looked for the best in the world. Her idealism inspired all of us to live better lives and be kinder to people. Although her life was far too short, she made a lasting impression in our hearts that will never be forgotten.

Carly is survived by her parents, Kevin and Sandy Phillips; sister, brother-in-law and niece, Michelle, Kyle and Maybel Watt all of Bend; boyfriend, Mike Elliott of Missoula; grandparents, Jerry and Janice Phillips; aunts and uncles, Heather and Chad Cola, Greg and Jen Phillips, all of Walnut Creek, Steve and Melissa Phillips of Bend; and six young cousins. On her mothers side, she leaves behind grandparents, Robert and Patricia Ferguson; aunts and uncles, Erin and John Mayall, Robin and Robin Gonzales, and five young cousins.

A small memorial was held on March 12, in Bend for family and friends. A celebration of her life is being planned for later this spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Carly Phillips scholarship fund at EPI. Contributions should be made online at http://www.ecologyproject.org/donate or sent to 315 S. 4th St. E. Missoula, MT 59801.

Carly Phillips