Phyllis Adele Roe

With her signature smile and a heart filled with happiness, Phyllis Adele Roe lived a wholehearted life rich with family and friends. Phyllis was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who taught by example. Naturally happy, generous, and kind Phyllis loved unconditionally and welcomed all into her heart and home. In so doing, she served as a powerful inspiration for all who were blessed to share time with her. Cherished by many, Phyllis will long live in the hearts of those who knew her best. The 1920s were an age of dramatic social and political change. Post-war peace, a booming economy, rising wages for most Americans and falling consumer prices, gave rise to a higher standard of living for most. The world quickly changed with the inventions of wash machines, vacuum cleaners, the band-aid, and the first automobile with a combustion engine. Tremendous confidence, prosperity, and previously unknown comforts marked this roaring decade when a person's success was largely determined by their ability to identify their desires and then work to make them a reality.In Redford, Michigan this vibrant decade grew even brighter for George and Grace (Grady) Lobig as they welcomed their daughter Phyllis into their hearts and home on March 7, 1923. While Grace ran the household and reared the children, George was a preacher. For a time, the family lived Ceresco where George served as the pastor of a local church. It was there that Phyllis first learned to fish and her lifelong passion began. In time, the family moved to Climax, when her father took on similar duties for the community. The youngest of the Lobig's four children, Phyllis grew up with the good company of her siblings; June, Josephine, and Dale. While attending Climax High School, Phyllis met the young man with whom she quickly grew smitten, Tony Roe. Once they began dating she wouldn't let him go! Not long after they both graduated from high school in 1941, the happy young couple became husband and wife on September 26, 1942. Together they were blessed with three boys including Danny, Jack, and Roger, who quickly became the center of their world. Phyllis relished in parenthood, and she and Tony were very attentive parents who took extremely good care of their boys despite having limited resources. What the Roes may have lacked according to the world's measure they more than made up for with mutual love, respect, unconditional acceptance, and support. For a time, Phyllis worked as a clerk at Sinclair Market in Climax. She also spent a period of time working at Pease Brothers Packaging. While work and family life afforded her great joy, so did fishing and golfing. Phyllis loved being outdoors and challenges that came with both sports. Whether driving, chipping, or putting on the local courses, or trolling for a lunker, Phyllis was always happy for the opportunity to share the beauty around her and the good company of her companions. Naturally social and warm-hearted, Phyllis never met a stranger. Phyllis could create an interesting conversation with anyone, and she could easily get even the most curmudgeonly person smiling. For in Phyllis' eyes it was easy to see that all were welcome in her heart and everyone was loved and valued. Phyllis exuded joy and was, therefore, a joy to be with. With a signature smile and a sincere "how are you" Phyllis happily met each day and moment she was given. For over 30 years Phyllis and Tony enjoyed gathering regularly with a core group of friends. Many a party and much celebrating was shared in the comforts and cheer of these longtime friends. After Tony retired, the couple enjoyed traveling to Florida to visit with their many friends, and to spend more time golfing too. The best fish cooker around, Phyllis infused everything she made with love. Anyone who had the privilege to sit at her table will attest to the quality of her cooking and the good loving they tasted in every bite. Not only was Phyllis and all around good cook, but she also had a knack for rejuvenating furniture. With a keen eye for potential and a talent for refinishing, Phyllis enjoyed transforming garage sale furniture into treasures. In January 2012, after nearly 70 years of marriage, Phyllis had to say goodbye to the love of her life. With signature grace, Phyllis leaned into her faith, memories, and family and continued to welcome each day with joy, despite the powerful missing of her beloved. Sharing time with her children, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren were Phyllis' heart's delight. Without a doubt, Phyllis' greatest source of happiness was the family she was so blessed to give life to and watch grow over her long life. While it is hard to imagine life in the absence of Phyllis' steadfast presence, may it afford comfort to know that her legacy of love and happiness lives on in the hearts and lives of all who were blessed to know her. Phyllis Adele Roe, of Scotts, passed away on March 25, 2018, at the age of 95. She is survived by her three children: Danny (Robin) Roe, of Climax; Jack (Lynda) Roe, of SC; Roger Roe, of VA; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Preceded by her husband Tony in 2012; two sisters: June Burgett and Josephine Wessel; one brother Dale Lobig. Burial of the ashes will be held on Sunday, April 22nd at 2pm at the Climax Cemetery. A gathering will be held afterward at American Legion Post 465 in Climax on April 22nd starting at 3pm. Please visit Phyllis' webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can read her life story, sign the guestbook, and share a memory. Those who wish may make a contribution to Southern Care Hospice and/or American Legion Post 465. Family is being assisted by the McCowen & Secord Family Funeral Homes, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 S. Main Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269-649-1697).