Agnes C. Phillips

Agnes C. Phillips, age 98, of Henderson, Nevada, passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2021. She was born April 8, 1922 at the Klecker Farm, approximately one and a half miles from the little village of Ardill in Saskatchewan, Canada; the third child of Marion and Andrew Gibson. Her mother and father were both born in Ayrshire, Scotland and were married there. They came to Canada on their honeymoon in 1913, and had four children: Margaret Weir Craig, born 1916; Hugh, born November 21, 1919, and Marion Laurie, born August 31, 1927. In 1924 the family moved to the Wallace Farm, three quarters of a mile from the village of Expanse, in the Lake Johnston Municipality. Her father bought this farm and that was home to the family for many years.

Primary and Secondary Education was at the Expanse School, Expanse, Saskatchewan (the average yearly number of students would be approximately 70, one teacher for all primary grades and one teacher for grades 9 through 12). Agnes went to school by horse and buggy, or by sleigh in the winter months. Her parents had a small milk business in the town of Expanse. Agnes delivered milk to the customers in the morning before school each day. She learned a little about serving the public from this experience. School sports were similar to today’s schools and Agnes competed with the neighboring towns. On the weekends there was usually a community dance for entertainment. The only theatre was 20 miles away so that was a once or twice a year treat. Agnes knew everyone in such a small community, so there was a common neighborly feeling of caring particularly at times of adversity or good fortune. Graduation in 1939 was during World War II. Graduation ceremonies were not done then, at least not in her little town. Agnes just remembered the joy of accomplishment and a bit of nostalgia as she descended those high school steps for the last time. She remember the feeling, so “knowledgeable,” but of course it was only the beginning. She thought they were given a good preparation for the future there.

To earn some money to enter the Nurses Training School, Agnes was able to supply transportation for workers at the local Natural Sodium Plant; which was a five mile trip. Gas rationing was a problem for the workers but the farmers were allowed a larger quota. Her father, on their farm, was able to spare Agnes enough for her needs, as well as allowing her to use his truck twice a day. Agnes business venture was not entirely successful, due to high auto expense, created in part from bad road conditions. However, one and a half years later, on a very slim budget, Agnes enrolled in the three year Moose Jaw General Hospital Nurses Training School in the fall of 1942. Residence living was a new experience as it is today, and the classmates became lifelong friends. Agnes spent a few months at the Tuberculosis Sanitarium in Fort Qu, Appelle in affiliation with the MJGH Training School program at the end of her third year in training. Agnes worked there after graduation for a short time while hery classmate recovered from an illness. She graduated in September 1945.

After graduation, Agnes was employed in Geriatric Care at Moose Jaw General Hospital for five months. In April, 1946 she moved to Central Butte Union Hospital as the Superintendent of Nurses. The other (two) nurses there were also MJGH graduates. The hospital at Central Butte was an 8 bed facility converted from a small family home. With a new, well trained doctor in the community, hospital admissions soon increased. She never turned any patients away, so at times they had patients in the hall and on the sun porch. The nursery was a four compartment unit on wheels located in the nurse’s dining room. The nurses slept upstairs in one large room, which contained a chemical toilet, commode, and four beds. It was all one big family. Maternity deliveries and surgical procedures were all performed in the “operating room.” There was no such thing as overtime. The usual shift was 10 hours with a two hour break if possible. Any emergency required all the staff. At first the doctor acquired a large pressure cooker, at his own expense, to sterilize instruments until the hospital could obtain an autoclave. They had to do a lot of improvising, but patients did get excellent care. There was no running water, only a cistern in the basement with a hand pump in the kitchen so water had to be boiled. The nearest other Medical Care Facility was in Moose Jaw, 68 miles distance by gravel road. Central Butte Hospital served five surrounding municipalities.

A memorable even occurred about 10 days after Agnes arrived on the job. A patient was admitted in shock and required intravenous infusion, duodenal suctions, and immediate surgery. He had been kicked by a horse in the gastric region. Such procedures had never been done in the hospital for years and supplies were scarce to nonexistent. The local druggist, Mel Smith, came to the rescue with many of their needs from his store and basement along with the doctor’s ability to improvise. The surgery went well and after a critical few days the patient recovered. This experience created a major change in the hospital’s inventory, and, for Agnes, an even greater realization of the responsibilities of the Superintendent of Nurses in a small hospital. The staff all shared the thrill and satisfaction of their efforts when such cases were so successful.

During her three years in Central Butte, the winters were very severe, and with record snowfall. Dr. Phillips bought a Jeep equipped with snow tires and a winch to make house calls. He often needed a team of horses to pull the Jeep out of some snow banks.

It was in Central Butte that the nurses found themselves with a maternity patient about to deliver. The Doctor was in the neighboring town about 15 miles away. Although they all had assisted in the delivery room in training, Agnes had never had the sole responsibility of a delivery. An often told story, but now it was our turn. Fortunately, it was uncomplicated and the doctor arrived in time to cut the umbilical cord.

Because of the pressure of a busy practice, another doctor, who also had the pioneer spirit, joined the team in 1947. Dr. Jack Vermeeren and his bride Kay moved to Central Butte. That same year, construction of a new 28 bed hospital got under way.

During World War II, the Royal Air force from England trained at hastily constructed air bases in Saskatchewan. At this time, the war was over and the training centers were being dismantled. That was a source for some of the material for the hospital. Local organizations were active in supplying equipment and furnishing wards. Their Doctor and the nursing staff reviewed the plans presented by the branch of government in charge. Socialization of hospitals had just come into being. After reviewing the plans and adding our recommendations, Dr. Phillips met with the hospital planners. Their plans were approved and that plan became the basic layout for the new hospitals in the province. A nurse’s residence was included. The move to a new hospital from her little house was exciting and a unique experience for all of the staff. The grand opening ceremony was conducted not only by the community leaders, but by the Premier of Saskatchewan, the local Hospital Board, and the Hospital Auxiliary. A tour of the hospital followed, and everyone was proud of such a major accomplishment. As is especially true of small towns, many lasting friendships were made in their short, three-year stay. Many expressions of appreciation from the various communities were generously given to Dr. Phillips. We all felt a tremendous satisfaction with our efforts there.

Agnes was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She lived a life of adventure and excitement, and will be truly missed by all.

Agnes was preceded in death by her husband; Lorne Phillips, MD; son, Keith Phillips; father, Andrew Gibson; mother, Marion Gibson; and siblings: Hugh Gibson; Margaret Briggs, and sister Marion Pearson; and grandson, Roy Phillips, Jr.. She is survived by her children: Lorna Motte, and son Roy Phillips (Joan); grandchildren: Laura Wright, Dane Phillips, Tara Phillips, Stephen Ryan Lutz, Rena McGrath, and Brenden Motte; and great grandchildren: Kiera McGrath, Kelton McGrath, Arya McGrath, Kailan Motte, Koast Motte, Zachary Wright, and Caitlin Wright.

Funeral service for Agnes will be Friday, April 16, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary, 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015. She will be laid to rest following at Palm Henderson Cemetery.

Due to COVID-19, all government restrictions will be in place and all guests in attendance must wear a mask.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmboulderhighway.com for the Phillips family.