Phyllis Elaine Root
Phyllis Elaine Root, aged 90, passed away suddenly but peacefully, Tuesday, May 28 at the Corewell Hospital, Hastings, MI.
Phyllis was born May 14, 1934 in Charlotte, MI, the middle child of Lynn and Ila (Dexter) Griffin. She was preceded in death by 1 brother, Dexter Griffin and 1 sister, Barbara Widrig. On October 19, 1952, Phyllis married Millard Von Root and together they had 6 children, 5 of whom survive: 2 daughters, Duonna (Mrs. Tom Worstell) of Richmond Hill, GA, and Sheila (Mrs. Robert Veitch) of Lake Odessa, MI; 3 sons and their spouses, Kevin (Teresa) Root of Charlotte, Tim (Doreen) Root of Vermontville, and Curtis (Connie) Root of Hastings. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Millard, and one son, Mark (Jodi) Root of Charlotte. Millard passed away just 22 days short of their 70th wedding anniversary.
Phyllis and Millard raised their children on the family farm just northwest of Charlotte. They became Christians early in their marriage and together they taught and led hundreds of people to the Lord. She always wanted to support Millard’s Bible teaching and preaching and was the quiet, always present, force behind him.
Phyllis was not only a beloved wife and mother, but also a talented quilter, seamstress, painter, gardener, baker and stone mason who showered family and friends with the gifts from her hands. Truly she was much like the Virtuous Woman of Proverbs 31, and her children called her blessed as did her husband.
Phyllis was the last surviving member of her generation and is survived by 21 grandchildren and 41 grandchildren.
Friends are encouraged to support Phyllis’ family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 3, 2024 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with George Blanch officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Monday, just prior to the service. Interment will take place at Gresham Cemetery. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Phyllis’ tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made in care of Sheila Veitch for various charities. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.