Phyllis Arlene Gauthier, 82, of Traverse City , passed away unexpectedly Saturday, May 21, 2016 at Munson Medical Center.
Phyllis was born on Saturday, October 14, 1933 to the late Edward and Erma (Powell) Broad in Traverse City. She married James Ernest Gauthier on January 16, 1954 at St. Francis Catholic Church. Phyllis and Jim were blessed with 50 years of marriage and 15 children.
Phyllis was a dedicated wife and mother. She was creative, inspiring, and generous to everyone she met. Famous for her gift boxes she mailed to family and friends, they always contained unique treasures. She co-founded Jim Gauthier Auto and Camper in 1980 and was the president of "Big Top" fruit stand since 1963. Phyllis was a very involved parishioner of of St. Mary's of Lake Leelanau from 1954-1958. For 58 years she was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where she volunteered for numerous church functions. She was an avid volunteer for various community charities. A lover of the arts; she collected musical instruments, painted, and brought her visions to life as she shared her love for learning and the natural beauty of the world around her. Always active and moving, she loved working in her garden, hostessing special events for loved ones, canning the fruits of her labor, reading, and playing games especially Euchre.
Phyllis is survived by her children, Jenell McKee of Marquette, MI, Debra (Greg) Eikey of Roswell, GA, Jeff (Amy) of Florissant, MO, Jon (Mary Anne) of Charlotte, NC, Mary (Ernie) Gross Cherry of Roswell, GA, Colleen (Christopher) Smith of Traverse City,MI, Ernie (Kim) of Nashville, TN, Ben (Jill) of Columbus, OH, Paul (Mary) of Hartland, WI, Megan (Wes) Jones of Suwanee, GA. Phyllis enjoyed spoiling all of her 32 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Phyllis is also survived by her siblings, George, Bob, Dorothy and Butch Broad; her step mother Gladys Broad and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim, and their children: Kathy, Tom, Jackie, Mickey and Kelly Sue, her parents, and her step mother, Lucille Broad.
Visitation for Phyllis will take place on Friday, May 27 from 4-8 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The Rosary will be celebrated on Saturday, May 28 at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Burial Mass beginning at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will be immediately served after the mass, with the burial taking place at the Solon Township Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions to cover medical expenses be written to the Phyllis Gauthier Memorial Fund and dropped off or mailed to any Fifth Third Bank location.