Leona Michelle Phillips

Leona M. Phillips, age 56, born in Seattle to Al and Emmi Phillips, peacefully passed on to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus on November 20, 2014 at Harrison Hospital. She is survived by her brothers Mike, Eric and Joe and her sisters Alicia, Colleen, Jeanine and sister/caregiver of 37 years Joan. Leona suffered with medical issues from the young age of 4 which eventually lead to renal failure when she turned 16. She was told at that time that she would not live to see adulthood. Leona learned quickly how severe her condition was and what she needed to do in terms of self-educating herself in the medical requirements for dialysis. She never ceased to amaze the medical profession of not only her medical knowledge but also her many near death encounters throughout the many decades of the battle that she fought. When it came to dialysis she ran a tight ship. She knew procedures and came up with procedures on her own to ensure the safety of her dialysis which had to happen 3 times per week. Leona would dictate medical procedures to her doctors and directed the nurses in every aspect of each dialysis run. Near her final years Leona was approached by the Northwest Kidney Foundation to attend an honorary function in her name in Seattle to celebrate her amazing longevity on dialysis. There was also mention of having a book written about her amazing journey as one of the longest running dialysis patients on record. Leona would have nothing to do with it. She was a private person who never liked talking about herself. She had a big heart and cared for people that suffered whether medically, physically or spiritually. She was always quick to give advice and pray with people and was never ashamed to tell people of their need for Jesus. Throughout the years Leona kept in contact with family and extended family. She loved her family and friends and pets. Prior to the death of our mother she, along with my wife, would always make sure that Mom was doing well and that I would visit her and include her in our holidays. Our life here on earth is but a sliver of time compared to eternity. My sister would want me to let people know of the amazing love of God. That He was willing to send His only Son down here to suffer and die for our sins that Whoever believes in Him, confessing that Jesus is Lord with their mouth and believing in their heart that Jesus was raised from the dead, that they will be saved. My sister was not ashamed of the Gospel to the very end. She expressed to me several times recently how tired she was and how she wanted to go home. She questioned God why He wouldn’t take her but never lost her faith. God answered her prayers, but on His timing. It’s a bittersweet pill to swallow losing her. I miss her but at the same time I am content to know that her pain and suffering has concluded after 40 years of struggling to survive. My inadequate attempt in honoring my sister’s life requires more than I can possibly put to paper. Leona ran the race with honor, dignity, courage and grace to the very end. She set the bar high. I will miss her greatly and look forward to the day when I will also transfer over to eternal life with her and many others where there will be no pain, no sorrow nor suffering. I think the Germans got it right with the word “Aufwiedersehen.” It’s not a final good-bye but actually means to see you later.
Aufwiedersehen Leona. I love you.