Phyllis Barker Dilley Backaus

Phyllis Barker Dilley Backhaus passed away peacefully on June 18, 2024. Phyllis was born September 19, 1936, in Spearfish, South Dakota to Mary Catherine and Orville Barker. She grew up with her brother Chuck and extended family in what she described as a happy and glorious childhood.

She met Dave Dilley while in high school, and they were married after she graduated in 1954. They had three children together, Glenn, Cindy, and Rick.

In 1966, Phyllis and Dave moved to Alaska. They packed what few belongings would fit in a travel trailer and drove North, settling in Anchorage near family. Missing country life, they bought part of a homestead North of Anchorage, near the Little Su River.

In 1973, Phyllis and Dave were in a small plane accident. Both Dave and the pilot died, and Phyllis was burned over most of her body. She published a book in 1998 about her life and the plane accident titled “Tempered By Fire”.

She wrote: “When going through life, we don’t know what will happen along the way. Although we can’t predict what will come our way, or how we will react to it, I believe we are shaped by our families and our faith. I have been fortunate to be blessed with strong family and strong faith. Both have been constant for me through the ups and downs of life.”

Phyllis married Russell Backhaus in 1975, blending their families as he had two daughters, Tammy and Shay. Soon Phyllis and Russell moved to the homestead full time. Phyllis created her own family farm, where she kept horses for her grandkids along with a menagerie of animals. Their home was always welcoming, with neighbors dropping in for a visit and family suppers every Sunday.

Phyllis touched many people’s lives with her kindness and generosity. Phyllis is survived by her brother, her five children and their spouses, ten grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren. In honor of her love for animals, please consider a donation to Alaskan Equine Rescue or another charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.

Join us in celebrating her extraordinary life at VFW Post 9365 (301 E. Lakeview Ave Wasilla, Alaska) on Wednesday, August 28th, 5 pm. Slide show starts at 6 pm. This is a casual affair, as she would have wanted. Potluck and RSVP (click here) is appreciated but not required. Call Glenn Dilley with any questions 907-232-8643