Phyllis May Wick passed away March 3, 2009 at Hospice House in Kennewick. She was born to Philip Gerhard and Myrtle May Burlum on July 6, 1917 at Deaconess hospital in Spokane, Washington. Summers were spent working at the family farm in Curlew, Washington. The rest of the year was spent on the South Hill in Spokane where she and her parents attended Lincoln Heights congregational church. She graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1935, then pursued a teaching certificate at Cheney Normal School now EWU. Before she finished her coursework, Phyllis responded to a wartime need for teachers and moved to Kent, Washington to teach elementary school. While she was there, she met her future husband, Oswald J. Oz Wick. In November 1941, they were married in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Phyllis and Oz kept their marriage a secret until the end of the school year because at that time married women were not allowed to teach and she wanted to finish her teaching contract. They lived in Bremerton, Washington while Oz worked at the shipyards. During that time their family grew to include three daughters. The family moved to Richland in 1950 when Oz went to work for GE on the Hanford site. She and Oz raised their daughters and remained in the Tri-Cities after he retired.

Phyllis was a dedicated homemaker with diverse interests. She was also a talented artist who enjoyed ceramics, knitting, crochet, needlework, and especially sewing. A gifted seamstress, she provided her children and grandchildren with special pieces ranging from pajamas to bridal gowns. She may have been married to a metallurgist, but she was the one that collected interesting rock samples. She loved animals and had many cats and dogs, and even some chickens and a goose during her life. In later years she enjoyed feeding and watching the birds, chipmunks, and squirrels living in the woods surrounding their cabin on Stevens Pass. She was interested in politics and worked the polls for many elections. She was an avid bowler and participated in a bowling league during the 1960's.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents, Philip and Myrtle, and husband, Oz. She is survived by three daughters-Carolyn David Watson, Nancy Jim Hamilton and Sharon Al Aamot, five grandchildren-DJ Sara Watson, Annie Bill Wymer, Megan Brian Brazeau, Leona Steve Germain and Randy Aamot, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous friends and neighbors. We will all miss her.

The family wishes to thank everyone who helped and provided kind and compassionate care for Phyllis over the past three years. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Phyllis' name to the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House or charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Sunday, March 8, 2009 at Memories at Sunset Event Center, on the grounds of beautiful Sunset Memorial Gardens, where she will also be entombed after the service. Visitation will be Saturday the 7th from 3:00-6:00 PM at Einan's Funeral Home.