New Harmony, Utah - Phyllis Bowden Averett returned home August 31, 2012, after complications of surgery. She was born February 28, 1921, the daughter of Clarence and Rebecca Paxman Bowden. She served in the Spanish American Mission and remained actively engaged in church callings. As a 16 year old Sunday School teacher, she taught 10 year old President Thomas S. Monson. Sealed in the Salt Lake Temple, she was married 68 years ago to Verl Lionel Averett.

She is survived by her sweetheart, Verl; and children: Keith (Beverly) Averett, Kathleen (Arnold) Hamilton, Karen (Paul) Davidson and Kelly (Marci) Averett. Phyllis says goodbye to 23 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.. She is preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; a brother; her son, Kenneth; two grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 East 200 South, Springville, Utah. A visitation will be held Wednesday, prior to services, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Wheeler Mortuary. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221.