August 17, 1927 – January 20, 2025

Phyllis Henry passed away in her home January 20, 2025 after a brief illness. She was 97 years old.
She was born Phyllis Louise Zarlingo on August 17, 1927 to Ben and Elizabeth Zarlingo of Silt, Colorado. Phyllis attended school In Silt until her sophomore year when she transferred to Rifle High School. She graduated in 1945. Phyllis worked in banking in Glenwood Springs; Bakersfield, California and Rifle before marrying Gaylord Henry in 1951.

She and Gaylord began their business partnership at Henry’s and Son of Rifle with his parents B.F and Erna Henry. Gaylord and Phyllis bought out his parents’ store and ran the business as Henry’s Department Store for 47 years. The store was originally at what is now the Rifle Mercantile Building. The store relocated to what is now the Henry Building. In the 1960’s they had an additional store called Cathy’s Shop. In the 1970’s they opened a second location at JQS Shopping Center.

In their retirement, Phyllis and Gaylord moved to their farm on Morrisania Mesa. They enjoyed entertaining friends and family and traveling the U.S and abroad. Phyllis was a member of the United Methodist Presbyterian Church.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, Ben and Elizabeth Zarlingo, Sisters Mary (Hurst) and Dorthy; brothers Ralph (Sonny) and Robert; Nephew Robert Slaven, and his wife Jean; and her husband Gaylord John Henry.

She is survived by her daughters Cathy Marsh (Russ) of Rifle, Colorado Gayl Cherry (John) of San Ramon, CA five grandchildren, three great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a dear sister in law, DeDe Zarlingo.

Phyllis will be remembered for her interests in the community of Rifle. She enjoyed retelling family stories and passing on the history of her Italian ancestry.

Phyllis considered her friends as part of her extended family. She was loved and will be missed.