Traverse City - Phyllis Jane Thompson, 95, of Traverse City passed away December 13, 2015 at her home.

Phyllis was born on May 25, 1920 in Belvidere, Ill to the late Alfred and Emma (Gortner) Whitacre.

On June 21, 1945 Phyllis married Vernon Arthur Thompson in Rockford, Ill.

Phyllis worked in manufacturing for Barber Coleman for 25 years. She helped to create sensors for airplane windshields to sense the temperature.

Phyllis was a member at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. In her spare time she enjoyed fishing with her husband, baking cookies, and was famous for her dinner rolls. She will be remembered for her grit and unfailing love.

Phyllis is survived by her husband of 70 years Vernon, her sons Bradley (Beverly) of Traverse City and Steven of Traverse City; grandsons Ryan (Neely) of Grand Blanc and Marc (Sarah) of Grand Blanc; great grandchildren Max, Kate, Ben and Peter, and many cousins.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her siblings Clarence Whitacre, Elroy Whitacre, James Whitacre, Julia Meyers, Helen Chaney, Avis Hall, and Florence Johnson.

A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2015 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Grand Traverse Industries.

Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your condolences and memories with the family.

The family is being cared for by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.