Phyllis Dawn Thurkettle

Phyllis Dawn Thurkettle, born August 21, 1928 in Grand Rapids, passed peacefully into Heaven on June 8, 2007 at Munson Hospital in Traverse City. A beloved teacher, mother, grandmother, wife, and sister, Phyllis was well known for her kindness and generosity to others. Phyllis was an elementary teacher in both Grand Rapids and St. Joseph Public Schools for a total of thirty-four years. Active in the Methodist Church, and many other volunteer organizations, she was respected as a hard worker and a leader. Phyllis was a devoted Christian and her faith enabled her to face her death without fear, and with the confidence that she would be with the Lord and her family that had gone on before her. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Harry in 1973, her parents John and Irma McMurtry and her sister Mrs. Virgilene (Clifford) Hall. She is survived by her sisters Joan Reddy and Mrs. Jaqueline (Ken) Johnson, her daughters Diane (Isadore) Sorce, Sharry (Bob) Gillesee, and her son Jeff (Cindy) Thurkettle. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and eight nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday at the First United Methodist Church, 3003 Leco Ct., St. Joseph with Rev. Wade Panse officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may call from 2:00 until 5:00 P.M. Sunday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Phyllis requested that memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church at 3003 Leco Ct., St. Joseph, MI 49085, the Lake Ann Methodist Church at 6583 First St., Lake Ann, MI 49650, or the Almira Township Library at 19629 Maple St., Lake Ann, MI 49650. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.