Phyllis Marie Rulison
Phyllis Marie Rulison, or “big Phil” as her husband Don called her, died January 19, 2024 at the age of 80. Phyllis was born in Lucas County, Ohio to Thomas R. and Virginia (Hilton) Ames on October 30, 1943. Family was always her most important reason for enjoying life, whether it be reminiscing about childhood memories with her siblings or making new memories with her own children as well as her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Phyllis was most proud that her children were raised to be self-sufficient and capable adults. She was selfless, never complained, forgiving, always concerned for everyone else’s welfare, and lived by the motto “I do the best I can”. She and Don loved their 17 years wintering in Florida and loved the beach. Annual golf-outings in Cadillac were a favorite thing, and Don would say often that she was the best thing that ever happened to him. Phyllis loved to travel and play golf, but also loved to do quieter things like flower gardening and reading. Holidays with family and family reunions were always a priority with her and she loved to play the game of Mah-Jong. Phyllis was an employee of the State of Michigan from 1976 until her retirement in 2002.
Phyllis is survived by her husband, Donald Ray Rulison; children, Nolan (Kathy) Spotts, Ginny (George) Nobbe, Teresa Redfield, Suzie (Wade) Nichols; grandchildren, Andrea Wadlington, Sydney Spotts, Jake Spotts, Erica Heinitz, Brandon Moe, Vince Wireman, Saige Shook, Dallas Redfield, Britnee Rivera, Lindsey Quinn, Trevor Nichols; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Linda Montegue and Nancy Ott. She was predeceased by her brothers, Melvin and David Ames; sister, Carolyn Sova; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Phyllis’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, January 23, 2024 from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 24, at the Charlotte Assembly of God Church with Pastor Shane Bryant officiating. The funeral was 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’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association, or the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.