Judy Ann Phillips Hanks

Judy (Judith) Ann Phillips Hanks passed away peacefully on September 8, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona. Judy was born on July 12, 1944 to William Erickson Phillips and Bessie June Rounds Phillips Whitney in Bakersfield, California. She was preceded in death by both of her parents.

As a youth in Fresno, California, Judy became active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and later through her example so did her parents and sisters – Chris (Ron) Myers and Dena (Tom) Callahan. Judy was a teenager when she and her sisters were sealed to their parents in the Los Angeles Temple. Temples and temple work were very special to Judy.

Judy was the first in her family to attend and graduate from college. She attended BYU and it was there during their senior years she met the love of her life, Brent David Hanks. They were married on August 27, 1966 in the Oakland California Temple. Judy and Brent celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary just weeks before her passing.

Judy loved her husband, Brent, and their three children: Amey (Steven) Vance, Shawn (Julie) Hanks, and Jason (Katrina) Hanks and also her ten grandchildren: Nicole (Garret) Nash, Michael (Elise) Vance, Ellie (Kyle) Christensen, Natalie Vance, Ryan (Caragain) Hanks, Whitney (Kyle) Hammond, Holly Hanks, Megan Hanks, Breana Hanks, Peyton Hanks, and her great-grandson, Luca Vance. She will be greatly missed by all who love her.

Judy spent many hours at her sewing machine. She sewed clothes, costumes, humanitarian work for Africa which included school bags, dresses, and masks. She also made comfort pillows for breast cancer patients and knit countless hats for cancer patients. Judy never sewed just a few of something – she always made hundreds – literally. Judy also enjoyed tole painting for many years. Her handmade treasures decorate her own home and the homes of all who knew and loved her. Judy was very talented with her hands.

Judy was extremely generous and giving. She continually gave away her handmade items, as well as clothes, food, humanitarian supplies, banana bread, or anything else she could to help others on their journey through life.

Judy enjoyed serving others and the Lord through her many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Young Women organization and as a Stake Relief Society President among other callings. Judy and Brent served as Temple Workers in the Mesa and Gilbert Temples for almost 20 years. Judy especially enjoyed serving with the women of the church, planning and decorating for church activities, and teaching others how to make things.

Judy loved her family and friends very much. She also loved shopping, spending money on others, hosting BBQs, travelling with Brent, crafting, chewing gum, going out to dinner, eating at In-N-Out, being a grandma, serving in the Temple, going on cruises, decorating for events, and eating hamburgers, ice cream, Pepsi, listening to the Piano Guys Music over and over and over, and brownies.

Above all, Judy had a testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. We know it was a joyful reunion in heaven with those who have gone before. Our sister, wife, mother, and grandmother Judy will be greatly missed.

Funeral services to celebrate a life well-lived will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 234 N. Greenfield Road, Gilbert, AZ  with a visitation beginning at 9:00AM prior to the funeral services.

Thank you to Bunker Family Funerals for their excellent care during this time.

A family graveside service will immediately follow the funeral at Mariposa Gardens in Mesa, Arizona.