Former Alaska House Speaker Ramona Gail Phillips has died. It was announced yesterday on the Alaska House floor by Representative Bryce Edgmon. Phillips’ daughter says she passed peacefully yesterday morning surrounded by family following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 76.
Phillips served on the Homer City Council from 1981 to 1984 and from 1984 to 1986 she served on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly. Later on she served in the Alaska House of Representatives from 1991 to 2001 and was Speaker of the House from 1995 to 1999. In 2002, Phillips unsuccessfully ran for Lieutenant Governor of Alaska. Phillips is recognized as Alaska’s second female house speaker after Ramona Barnes served from 1993 to 1995.
Governor Mike Dunleavy released a statement Thursday saying, “Gail Phillips made significant and lasting contributions to the state of Alaska through a life of public service. In 1973, Gail began nearly a decade of volunteer service with the Iditarod which led her to serve at the Homer City Council, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, and ultimately to the Alaska House of Representatives. Gail was one who was widely respected by her colleagues and constituents alike. Rose and I thank Gail for her commitment to Alaska over her multiple terms in office and offer our condolences to the Phillips family in their time of grieving.”
Dunleavy will order the U.S. flags and the Alaska state flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Rep. Phillips on a date to be determined following consultation with the family.
