Phyllis Elizabeth Wilkerson, 95

Phyllis Elizabeth Wilkerson, 95, was born June 12, 1925, in Chicago, Ill., to Edward and Kathryn Sayler. She went to be with our Lord on Feb. 16, 2021.

She is survived by her daughter, Diana Thew (Daniel); her son, Wayne Wilkerson (Wanda); grandchildren Jason (Mikayla), and Jody (Emily); and great-grandchildren, Brady, Willow and Wren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; her brother, Stan; and a grandson, Joshua Wilkerson.

She went to high school in Alabama and Yankton, S.D. She graduated from Yankton College with magna cum laude honors in 1947.

While working in Salt Lake City, Utah, she met her husband Bill during a group trip to Green River Resort in the mountains. He proposed to her at top of a Ferris wheel. They were married on April 12, 1950.

They settled in Cheney, Wash., where Bill was offered a geology professor position at EWSC. She pursued graduate studies until they decided to adopt children. She taught grade school, worked as a Realtor, and secretary at EWU. She was a member of Beta and then PEO.

She played the piano and church organ beautifully (thought about majoring in music). She enjoyed ice skating, snow skiing, motorcycle riding, RVing, camping, boating (vacation place in LaConner, Wash.), opera, attending plays, musicals, traveling, visiting Europe and many places around the U.S., including Hawaii/Alaska. She loved history, swimming, and an avid reader.

She was very grateful for family and friends. A celebration of life will be delayed until we can gather together.