Phyllis Ila Lenz, 88
Phyllis Ila Lenz passed into the loving, open arms of Jesus surrounded by family on Aug. 22, 2016. Phyllis was born the sixth of seven children May 26, 1928, in Hanna City, Ill., to Jasper and Hessie Dawson. She was proud of and often reminded us that she was a “coal miner’s daughter.”
On Jan. 12, 1945, she married Earl R. Emehiser and they had two children, Carol Y. Emehiser and Robert L. Emehiser.
Earl and Phyllis moved to North Idaho shortly after their marriage. Earl passed away in 1975, and Phyllis continued to live in the Coeur d’Alene/Hayden area until her passing. Phyllis was a hard worker taking pride in wherever she worked. This included real estate, hospitality, dry cleaning and retired at the age of 84 from Angel Aides. She laughed when telling others she took care of “old people.”
Phyllis enjoyed life and had many hobbies and pursuits throughout her life. Fishing, camping, motorcycle rides, dancing, trips to the casino with friends, evenings at the Eagles in Hayden, and taking care of her yard to name a few. Music was a large part of her life whether she was playing the bass, her Baldwin organ, or just singing to anyone that would listen. She was an amazing cook and loved doing so for others, at holiday meals, frying up fresh blueback or a batch of her famous fried chicken.
But Phyllis’ greatest love and passion was spending time with her family and friends. It didn’t matter what they would do together; playing cards, crosswords, watching game shows, outings with the ladies, or sitting on her back deck enjoying a conversation. It really didn’t matter, as long as she could be with the ones she loved.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Earl; each of her three brothers, Lloyd, James and Howard; and three sisters, Edith Huey, Harriet Fogg and Genevieve Plumb. She is survived by her daughter, Carol; son Robert; seven grandchildren; a blessing of great-grandchildren and even few a great-great-grandchildren. The family would also like to include all of her dear friends. Each of you were so special to her.
Memorial service to be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, at Yates Funeral Home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with reception to follow at the Eagles Lodge, 1520 W. Wyoming Ave., Hayden, Idaho.
Many thanks to Hospice House. They were angels in disguise to Phyllis and her family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Hospice of North Idaho, Hospice House, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.
Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Phyllis’ online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign her guest book.