Phyllis Ann Aldrich's Obituary
Just after her 69th birthday, Phyllis Ann Aldrich passed away at her home on June 3, 2022. Phyllis was born to Donald E. Palmer Sr. & Dorothy M. Chamberlin on May 24, 1953. She was raised by her grandparents Harry James & Pearl Palmer. Phyllis was a bright light at any gathering making all newcomers feel like family. She was known to invite strangers in need into her home to provide them a warm meal. From her youth, Phyllis’s strong will and determination shined to the forefront as she could always find a way to do what she wanted when she wanted throughout her entire life. Her knack for making things work on a minimal budget helped fulfill her love of travel with family and friends.
Possessing a beautiful voice, Phyllis was often found singing karaoke at the Evart Lounge. Her best songs were Janice Joplin tunes. She once sang “Piece of my heart” with so much passion she could barely speak the next day. Phyllis’ pie crust recipe is and will always be coveted. Carrying on her culinary skills, she taught her grandson how to make her sought after pies. She was an excellent cook but her favorite simple pleasure was a good tomato sandwich fresh from her son’s vegetable garden. She enjoyed spending time with her son in his vegetable gardens from planting to canning the harvests.
To recharge her batteries, Phyllis’s favorite activity was to sit in the Michigan sun and drink her coffee and enjoy her flower garden. She had such a green thumb that plants thrived under her care and refused to die. Her sense of humor carried her through tough times. Her children were often the prime targets of such shenanigans as hiding fake snakes under pillows or starting water fights. Family describes her as a ‘naughty teenager’. She enjoyed going against the fray with her youthful attitude and fun loving spirit. A character trait her grandchildren loved.
She maintained many childhood friendships from her years of living in Battle Creek, MI. Many of her long term memories came from these friendships.
The last 2 decades of her life were spent hunting, fishing, and creating special memories with her best friend and life partner, Donny Olsson.
Phyllis attended the Millbrook Free Methodist Church off and on through the years, her spiritual side giving the hope she willingly shared with others. She had a knack for writing short stories and articulating her thoughts on paper.
Family would like to express their appreciation for the out pouring of love on social media, personal messages, and special visits to Phyllis. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date and will be announced on social media via family. All will be welcome, as Phyllis would have it no other way.
Left to carry on her memory are her life partner Donald Olsson; Son David (Peggy) Raines; Daughters Desiree (Chris) Burns and Deanna Walters; and grandchildren Mindy Winnie, Zach Burns, Derick Linscott, James Walters, Kalyn Raines, Connor Raines, and Kyle Raines; Brothers Donald Palmer Jr., Robert Hannah, Ronald Jones, David Hyslop, and Ronald Palmer; Sister Linda Lewis-Firat. Phyllis was preceded in death by her son, Michael Raines and parents, Donald E Palmer, Sr. and Dorothy M. Holcomb-Chamberlin, and brother David W. Jones.
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