Phyllis Pauline Miller

Born in Des Moines Iowa on October 28, 1922 to Marion David Woods (a prominent attorney & president of the bank) & Nina (Gregg) Woods (University English teacher). She was the 3rd of 6 children (Robin, deceased at 1 ½) (Mildred) (Marion David Woods Jr) (Robert) (Richard “Rick”). She grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1940 where she played the piccolo in the Marching Band.  She also played the flute. She attended Iowa State University. Later on she met and married William “Bill” Moore in 1946, moved to Galesburg Ill, and had 3 children. She was an incredible wife and mother.  They were married for 20 yrs when Bill passed away.

In 1967 she sold the house and with her 3 children, drove cross country to Richland, WA to be closer to her sister. What an incredibly brave & strong woman she was. She bought the house at 802 Cedar & re-settled herself & family into the Tri Cities community. She worked at Frank Elliot’s Interiors then Ernies’s Printing eventually getting on with Rockwell in forms control & then retiring. Tragedy struck again in 1971 when her first born son (Gary), while on his way to College, was struck by a truck and killed.  Obviously devastated by the death, Phyllis was not one to dwell on the dark things in life, instead staying strong for her 2 remaining children.

In the late 70's Phyllis met Bob Miller and they were married in the fall of 1978.  Bob moved into the house and provided Phyllis with security & stability; and Phyllis was the willing companion Bob needed to enjoy life.  They both loved cooking and watching the games together and they could be heard down the block when they got excited.  They traveled, entertained, gathered together with family & friends. Christmas was there favorite holiday.  10 years later, upon Bob’s retirement, they started international travel to Europe & China. Phyllis’s infectious laugh fueled Bob’s tendency for humor, and the house was filled with pictures & (refrigerator magnets!) of their escapades from Halloween to New years to Ocean Cruises.  Family and friends really made the house a Home of Joy. She was so lucky and deserving to have had 2 wonderful men in her life.

 After 26 years of marriage Bob passed away on February 2005. Phyllis remained in the house.  She lived where she wanted these last 11 years, in the same home she bought 50 years ago with her daughter Chris & her son Rick.  Full Circle.

Phyllis left us quietly in her sleep at the age of 94 after 2 nights in the hospital. She has gone on to be with her parents: siblings Richard, Robert, Mildred, Marion (Jr), and Robin; William, Gary & Bob.

She is survived by her stepson Bob, Children Chris & Rick; grandson Gary and Sister-in-law Queca

God blessed us with the Best Mom Ever.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 1:00pm at Events at Sunset in Richland.