ELSIE MAY PHILO

Elsie May Philo, 77, of Walla Walla, Wash., passed away at her home on Nov. 22, 2003, as the result of colon cancer.

A graveside service was held Tuesday at Mountain View Cemetery with Father Seraphim Bell of St. Silouan Orthodox Christian Mission officiating. Burial service followed. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Forerunner Monastery through the Herring Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St.,Walla Walla, WA 99362.

Mrs. Philo was born on Nov. 16, 1926, in Agra, Kan., to Hayes and Mary Ann Tombaugh Walker. She graduated from high school in Curdy, N.M. She received her bachelor's degree in chemistry and a degree in education form York College.

She lived in Alaska for more than 50 years. She came to Alaska in 1951 and taught school in Galina. She then moved to Wasilla and taught at Wasilla Elementary, Junior High, and High schools. She enjoyed teaching art. She was a long-time member of Wasilla First Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder and choir member as well as being active in various fellowship groups.

Mrs. Philo was a member of St. Silouan Orthodox Christian Mission and the Alaska Teacher's Association.

Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Hayes and Susan Philo of Walla Walla, Hiram and Jolene Philo of Boone, Iowa, Cassius Philo of Wasilla; former daughter-in-law Tina Philo of Wasilla; two brothers, Harold Walker of Iowa and Cecil Walker of Phoenix, Ariz.; and six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and two sisters.