Phyllis Ely

Accompanied by her quiet strength and her deep love for others, Phyllis Ely was a gift in the lives of so many within her reach. She was fun to be around and was always available to lend a listening ear to anyone in need. Phyllis was a dedicated worker who brightened the days of her customers and co-workers alike each and every day. She lived an active life well into her sunset years, making the most of the days that were given to her. A compassionate daughter, devoted mother and grandmother, and thoughtful friend, Phyllis will be deeply missed.

The Roaring Twenties were a colorful time in our nation’s history when jazz music, ballroom dancing, and good old American baseball with legends like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb dominated the cultural fabric of our nation. Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh took air travel to new heights and with the end of the silent film era, America was never the same. Nestled within this vibrant decade was the year 1929 that boasted of great joy for one young family from Benton Harbor, Michigan, as they were pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby girl on July 5th. Baby Phyllis was welcomed into the arms of her parents, Paul and Edith (Aylesworth) Lawrence, and was the elder of two children in her family that included her brother, Larry, who was six years her junior. Phyllis learned a strong work ethic at a young age as she worked alongside her parents in the family business, Lawrence’s Market on W. Main Street. She was fiercely protective of her younger brother by standing up for him whenever she was needed.

In many ways Phyllis experienced a childhood that was rather typical for the youth of her generation. She attended Kalamazoo schools where she greatly enjoyed every aspect of being a student. Phyllis also learned to play the piano as a young girl.

Shortly after graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1948, Phyllis met the man with whom she would establish the family she treasured. His name was William “Bill” Ely, and they married after dating for a time. Although their marriage ended in divorce after seven years or so, Phyllis was forever grateful for their son, Russell, who was born in 1954.

Being a mother seemed to be a role that was tailor made just for Phyllis. She raised her son with the help of her parents, which allowed him to learn the ins and outs of the family business as well. Like his mother, Russell knew how to cut meat by the time he was ten years old. Phyllis continued to work in the family business while focusing her attention on her son, too. Sunday afternoons found them having dinner at her parents’ house followed by a drive out to Allegan. During the week Phyllis saw to it that she and her son took a trip to the library as well.

By the time Russell graduated from high school, the Lawrence family had sold their business, so Phyllis went to work for the Meat Shack. Since she didn’t drive, Phyllis had to carefully plan her commute in to work as she depended on the bus system. She always enjoyed her work and since she was a people person, working behind the counter was a perfect fit for her. Phyllis was a good listener who was keenly focused on servicing the customer. Her work later found her at Harding’s where she became the seafood manager at their Woodbridge location. Phyllis retired in 1998.

When she wasn’t working, Phyllis really enjoyed being at home. When her father became ill she moved in to his home to help provide the care he needed. After his death, Phyllis remained there for what would be the rest of her life. She saw to it that Christmas was always a special time for her family that was filled with traditions they will continue to cherish. Heading out to find the family Christmas tree was a memorable time, and of course getting the house all decorated was as well. Sunday dinners together were also a fun-filled tradition that they carried on for as long as they could. Phyllis made sure she caught her soap operas each day as well as her favorite show, Survivor. If she knew she was going to miss any of her beloved shows, she always made sure she recorded them. When it came to her musical taste, Phyllis enjoyed Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and Tony Bennett, and she also kept busy reading and doing crossword puzzles. She additionally leaves behind an extensive collection of angels, lighthouses, and salt and pepper shakers.

At times Phyllis did enjoy getting out as she was naturally a social woman. She liked going to flea markets with her nieces and nephews, and they also took in a show at times as well. Phyllis always appreciated the arts and had an annual membership to the Civic Theater for many years. When she could she made the time to get together with her old friends from school, reminiscing about times gone by. Phyllis enjoyed walking with her neighbors, and she also took care of many of her neighbors’ dogs when needed.

Although she remained active, Phyllis and her loved ones were given a tough pill to swallow when she was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer just five weeks ago. The news couldn’t have gotten any worse when they learned that her cancer had also spread to other areas of her body. Although her life was drastically changed with her diagnosis, Phyllis remained as active as she could until the very end.

With a deep love for others, Phyllis Ely brought happiness and true beauty to the world around her. She wholeheartedly applied herself to every task that lay before her while remaining committed to caring for those in need. Phyllis kept busy sending out cards she made on her computer, reading, and visiting with the people she treasured, reaching countless others with her compassionate and tender touch in the process. The memories we have of Phyllis will remain forever near and dear to all our hearts.

Phyllis J. Ely of Portage died on November 23, 2011 at Kairos Dwelling, Kalamazoo. Phyllis’s family includes her son, Russell (Barbara) Ely; 2 grandchildren, Russell Jr. (Kelly) Ely and Michael Ely; 4 great-grandchildren, Lauren, Madison, Landon and Alayna; brother, Larry (Jeanne) Lawrence; and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held Monday 11:00 a.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler – Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Dr., 375-2900 with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow in the Life Story Center. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo or sign her memory book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be directed to Kairos Dwelling or the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.