Phyllis Odessa Halfaday
April 27, 1925 - June 18, 2025
Obituary
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.“ Psalm 19:14
On April 27, 1925, Phyllis Odessa Halfaday was born on Drummond Island near Johnswood, Michigan. It was a beautiful lumber town in Chippewa County where “No wagons or cars could go.” Abe (1893-1972) and Grace Wiser (1895-1955), the parents of Phyllis, moved from Drummond Island to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan with her sister Wilma (1918-2010) and brother Russell (1923-1989) when Phyllis was two years old. Willis (1927-2020), her younger brother, was born in Sault Ste. Marie, and shortly thereafter, the family headed to Raco, MI twenty-six miles away. Her three other siblings, Lola (1929-2012), Harold (1932-1992), and Shirley (1936-2016) were born, and the family of seven made Raco their home.
Phyllis learned to embrace God’s promises and creation while He molded her into the strong and amazing woman we all knew her to be. She recalls her dad purchasing their home in Raco for $350 from a man who took care of the town. She learned to hunt, fish, trap, and of course, bake. With no running water or electricity Phyllis was taught the value of “whatever one sows, that he will also reap.” It was through these resourceful experiences she appreciated and learned to value family. She once explained a favorite memory of hers while her Uncle John was staying with them. It was every afternoon when the town whistle blew. She would leave the family garden she was tending to and race toward the lumber mill. Phyllis would meet her dad and uncle for a sweet treat they had left in their lunch boxes. As simple as that may sound, the impact of their simple gesture would be a life lesson she would pay forward the rest of her life. Through this example, she understood giving was one of the greatest gifts. She gave relentlessly to all those who crossed her path, and she found tremendous joy supporting the many missionaries that traveled the globe from Sri Lanka to Botswana, from Vanuatu to Jerusalem. It is simple to say, her humble impact has been far reaching, and her legacy to serve Jesus Christ will never cease.
Who would have thought, the boy next door would eventually become the love of Phyllis’ life. During her school years you could find Phyllis hanging out with the towns “favorite boy.” The local School House would serve as the school and church. Robert Marvin Halfaday (1921-2005) saw Phyllis for the first time while she was wearing a red dress. He made it real clear to his mom, Grace Halfaday (1906-2000), that he would marry her someday. While attending Brimley High School (1943), she developed a wonderful relationship with Robert. While her brother and Robert worked together at the Civilian Conservation Corp. you could find Phyllis picking blueberries or helping her grandmother and mom at the boarding house in Raco. Phyllis had a deep admiration for Robert, and she believed he was unaware. Phyllis was still attending high school when Robert went to serve in World War II with his dad, Melvin Henry Halfaday (1906-1972) and Phyllis’ brothers. When Robert returned from WWII after ten months of serving (Honorably Discharged), Phyllis wasted no time uniting a bond of love, grace, and hope that would span sixty-two years. Phyllis, wearing a red dress, would marry Robert on October 30, 1943. They genuinely shared a life of deep love and steadfast devotion. Eventually moving to Washington state in 1962 where she worked at Sea-Tac International Airport. Together, they built a legacy of faith and family that continues through the generations today. They have five incredible children who have continued to honor their legacy with their own families. Lenora (Tim), Bobby (1948-2018) (Kathy), Brenda (1952-2018) (Lenny), Patsy (Jay), and David (Jacqui). Phyllis’ love for her children continued to grow by the blessings of her thirteen grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. Even more remarkable, Phyllis’ love of family extended into her church. Her love was far-reaching, and it was evident how those who loved her filled her with an eternal joy. If one saw “The Rugged Carpet” in her last days on Earth, it is absolute proof of her love for others, and the love others had for her.
Her greatest joys were her family, her church family, the Midland Senior Center, and her many friends within the community. Whether sitting in a church pew, or holding someone’s hand in prayer, she gave her heart fully and freely. She was known for her servant’s heart. Phyllis loved participating in the Church’s auction. She would joyfully huddle in the kitchen with family and friends making an endless count of donuts for the community to enjoy. As a result, before they made it to the auction table, her many grandchildren would have to assure their quality. Additionally, her gift of unity was always appreciated. She had a simple spirit that would often tap into God’s wonderful sense of humor. This was often on display at family gatherings. Phyllis took great pride in our country, and she prepared the traditional 4th of July dishes with as much pride; however, Phyllis was always ready to capture a simple moment with mischief. Her enthusiasm for a good ole’ family water fight, is reminiscent of her desire to create unity through controlled chaos. She had a gift of bringing everyone together through her playful innocence, and ironically, she was always guilty of getting someone wet first – let the games begin.
She was a prayer warrior, a gentle encourager, and a quiet source of strength to all who knew her. Even at the beautiful age of 100, her social calendar was filled with going out to eat, church, and many birthday celebrations. Phyllis LOVED her family gatherings, the vacations to Greece, Disneyland, and Niagara Falls. Those special outings at the Washington State Fair, camping and fishing with family, or traveling back to Michigan, were treasures she spoke of often. Her church family always made her feel like a champion, and she boastfully claimed being the Ugliest Sweater G.O.A.T. Phyllis enjoyed singing hymns and reciting those special verses that were inscribed in her heart, such as Psalm 19:14, her favorite verse. These simple moments taught her to embrace God’s gifts and promises. She lived life with a reckless abandonment and a peace only God could provide. She is the epitome of a woman of noble character and an example of living a life of obedience. Her testimony is complete.
Though our hearts grieve her absence, we rejoice in knowing she is in Heaven, and forever in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She freely accepted God’s eternal gift, while being committed to developing a personal relationship with Him daily that overflowed with blessings and joy for all to receive.
“Well done, good and faithful servant…Matthew 25:21
