 PHILLIPS, RONALD E. age 76, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 after a brave battle with cancer. Ron was born April 10, 1937 in Clovis, NM to Ethel Edna (Huff) and Rodney Vernon Phillips. He graduated from Highland High School in 1955 and married May Frances Willingham in 1957. Ron worked in sales for such companies as JC Penney, WW Grainger, Bowlin's and Kirby. In the 1970's he started Pueblo Arts, Inc. (ABQ) and the Trail West Gallery in San Antonio, TX, businesses selling Native American jewelry and art. He was a founding member of the Indian Arts & Crafts Assoc., dedicated to preserving and protecting authentic American Indian arts and crafts. An artist and sculptor himself, he enjoyed doing tours around the state of NM for artists, photographers and poets from around the US. More recently he has worked in the NM film industry, cast as an extra in movies and TV shows. A former president of the NM Art League, Ron volunteered with many artists groups throughout his life, as well as the ABQ Balloon Fiesta, the ABQ Convention and Visitor's Bureau and the South Valley Business Exchange. His favorite places were the Netherwood Park Church of Christ, and anywhere he played with the Fiddlers and Musicians of NM. Ron loved NM with a passion and was happiest on the road to his favorite towns, pueblos, mountains and vistas. Ron was a true Renaissance man of the Southwest. Ron was preceded in death by his second wife, Janet Johnsonbaugh Smith of OH, in 1999. He is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Garland and husband John (PA); son, Russell K. Phillips and wife Linda (ABQ); daughter, Teresa Curl and husband Marvin (Rio Rancho); sister, Alverne (Rusti) Grimaldi and husband Marino (ABQ); grandchildren, John and Abbie Garland (PA), and Elijah, Isaac, Mashiah and Jahani Curl and wife Tish (Rio Rancho). He is also survived by three step-children, Steve, Greg and Laura Smith; five step-grandchildren, Donovan and Chelsea Brannen and Sean, Hilary, and Zachary Smith; and two great-grandchildren, Emani and Sasha Curl. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 9th at 6:00pm at Netherwood Park Church of Christ, Indian School NE, ABQ, 87110 with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ron's name to Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 26666, Albuquerque, NM 87125. Please write "Cancer Program" on check.
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