Phyllis Joan Key

Phyllis Joan Alexander Key passed away on October 9, 2023 at the age of 87. Mom was born at East Elk Creek in New Castle, Colorado on July 11, 1936 to Donald William and Hulda Johanna Alexander. She was the 8th of 9 children.

The family moved to Plateau Creek during her junior year in high school where she graduated from Palisade High School in 1954.

She met the love of her life Harold Dean Key at a dance in Grand Junction. They were married on Valentine's Day in 1956. Four children came of this union, Cynthia Jean Hirschfeld (Richard), Ellen Lorraine Hout (Gary), Harold Wesley (Brigid), James Dean (Teresa).

They lived in a mining camp at La Sal, Utah moving to Moab, Utah in 1961 where they built a home and raised their family.

Mom was an amazing and creative seamstress, she made clothing for her family as well as did upholstery work. She loved to crochet, making her famous turtles and poinsettia doilies, giving them away to family and close friends. She loved the outdoors, horses and fishing. A camping trip to Buckeye Reservoir was one of her favorite things. She loved spending time with family.

A few years after Dad passed away Mom moved to Monticello, Utah to be closer to Gary and Ellen. In 2017 they all moved to Aztec, New Mexico. She loved the place in Aztec, lots of wildlife and closer to the Colorado mountains reminding her of home.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, brothers; Capper and Dewey, sisters; Mildred, Elna Mae, Nora Ruth and Penelope.

She is survived by her sister Donna Dawson, brother John William (Margie), 4 children, 10 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 7 step grandchildren. She is missed.

At Mom's request cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held Saturday, November 11th in Palisade, Colorado at the Community Center, 120 West 8th Street @ 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Tunnel to Towers.