Arthur Franklin Phelps

Arthur Franklin Phelps, 86, also known to many as "Whitey," passed away May 26, 2010 in Spokane, Wash. He was born March 7, 1924, in Oklahoma, to the late Herman and Edna Phelps. He was the second of four children.

In his early years, Whitey, worked in the fields on his father's sharecropping farm. At 16, he went to the CC camp to work. He met and married the love of his life, Ruth Katheryne Lemons, before being called to duty in World War II. They became the proud father of four children, Carolyn, Kathy, Dale and Linda. As a family, they traveled abroad while Whitey worked as a supervisor in the tunnels. After Whitey retired from his tunnel work, he wanted to relocate closer to his children and grandchildren. Whitey and Ruth picked property along the river in Hungry Horse, as the perfect place to build their retirement home. He enjoyed spending time golfing, hunting and fishing. Whitey was a family man who worked hard all his life and took great pride in being able to provide well for his family. He also enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren good work ethic and the importance of family, friends and helping others. He and Ruth enjoyed many hours in their yard gardening together.

Whitey then took up land management as his retirement past time. He assisted many who were not as fortunate to be able to provide their families with property and a home to call their own. He was a firm believer in giving others a hand-up, not a hand-out.

Whitey was preceded in death by his parents, his three siblings and his beloved wife Ruth.

He is survived by his four children: Carolyn Phelps, Kathy Phelps, Dale Phelps and Linda Hanson and her husband John, seven grandchildren: Sonja Nordahl, Travis Herron, Kara Erickson, Shannon Phelps and his wife Molly, Rhonda Tallman and her husband Lonny, Dustin Phelps and Tiffany Hanson, four great-grandchildren: Kaileen Alvarez, Josh Erickson, Leilani Herron and Cameron Tallman, and many other extended family members and friends.

Whitey had an incredible sense of humor. He was a very loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.

One of the things Whitey took pride in was hosting family barbecues. As a tribute to Whitey, we will be hosting a barbecue in his honor this summer. The date will be announced later to accommodate family arrangements.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Whitey's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences.