Phyllis N. Funk past away from natural causes at her Kalispell home on Nov. 6, 2016, surrounded by her loving family.
Phyllis was born in Garden City, Missouri, Sept. 7, 1929, to Samuel and Selma Miller. She was one of eight children.
Just over one month after her birth, Black Thursday, Oct. 24, marked the beginning of the Great Depression. Her family was plunged into poverty, but she never considered herself poor. Growing up without money did not deprive her from having and using a well-developed imagination. And as she was fond of saying, “You don’t miss what you never had.”
In the latter half of the 1930s, Phyllis’ family moved to the Kalispell area. They felt an attachment to this area and planned on building a new home, but tragedy struck and the family lost their mother to illness.
World War II brought with it new trials and worries. Her oldest brother was away in the Army Air Force, and every night the radio brought news of various battles and costs as well as the latest atrocities. This troubling news often sent her into her room seeking a refuge.
Following the war, in 1946, she met and married Thomas Funk. Their union produced three children, 11 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren.
Her children, son Richard and wife Glenda, son Robin and wife Renee, and daughter Mary Jo Sklany and husband Eric all reside in the Kalispell area.
Phyllis was a longtime member of the Church of Christ. Her love and devotion were for her Lord Jesus Christ first, her family second, and the world third.
She was a hard-working homemaker who demonstrated her affection through homemade feasts, treats and handstitched embroidery. Prior to her full-time retirement, Phyllis worked for Kalispell School District 5 as a classroom para-professional.
She was preceded in death by her parents, all of her siblings, and her husband of 39 years.
Cremation has already taken place. A celebration of her life will be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 10 at the Kalispell Church of Christ, 241 Stillwater Road. Following a luncheon, a graveside service will be held at Fairview Cemetery. James Williams of the Church of Christ will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any funds be donated to your favorite charity in Phyllis’ name.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.