On January 20, 2026, Phyllis Carol Friedrich Gehring passed away at the age of 98 years and left a loving legacy of 3 children, Fred (Gayle deceased), Dale (Maribeth) and Bruce (Patti), 7 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Fun, loving, mischievous, unflappable, loyal, resilient, generous, goodnatured and salt of the earth are some of the words used to describe her as the family gathered to remember her.

Phyllis was born in Oregon City, Oregon in 1927. She was the second of 3 girls born to Richard and Genevieve Friedrich and grew up with her sisters Nancy and Gracie. As a child she loved the outdoors, whether it was playing baseball with the neighborhood boys, camping with her Campfire Girl friends (and waking them up playing revelry on her bugle) or fishing with her dad. She also spent a lot of time at the family hardware store, Friedrich’s Hardware, either helping out or causing mischief. 

Phyllis went to Barclay Elementary School and graduated from Oregon City High School. She maintained many friendships from her childhood that lasted up to her passing. She went on to graduate from University of Washington Business School and also met and married Harry F. Gehring Jr. They moved back to Oregon City and raised their three boys on Center Street, the best street in town. When her boys were little Phyllis wrangled Cub Scout Pack 189 for the Barclay School crew. She continued her love of the outdoors camping and fishing on the Deschutes River and Long Beach, Washington with her own family. Her grandchildren’s favorite memories are also of spending time at the beach or camping with Grandma Phyl. She’s even joined them on some rafting trips, sometimes getting dunked, but always coming up laughing.

Besides her family, Phyllis was also very devoted to her church, St. Paul’s Episcopal. She enjoyed the many hours she spent as treasurer, a member of the Alter Guild and making her famous fruitcake for the Christmas Bazaar. She was also a member and volunteered her time with the McLoughlin House Historical Society and Rose Farm Museum.

Phyllis has been loved and respected by her neighbors, community, and most especially by her family. To celebrate her life an open memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 822 Washington St., Oregon City on Monday, March 16th at 10:00. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. The family kindly requests in lieu of flowers you share a favorite memory or picture.