Phyllis Anne Franz

Phyllis Anne Franz, 79, was called to the Lord from her earthly home, surrounded by friends and family in Moses Lake, Washington on July 28, 2009 after a brave fight with brain cancer.

Phyllis was born in the spring of 1930 to Martine and Gilbert Tucker.  She attended Seattle Public Schools, graduating from Queen Anne High School and went on to the University of Washington.  Phyllis and her husband, Victor, were introduced by mutual friends, and were married in 1951.  The city girl had to learn how to be a farmer’s wife.

When they were first married they lived in Lind, Washington. Phyllis and Vic then watched as their new home on the family farm was built in 1952.  Here, they raised their three children.  They retired from farming in 1985 and moved to Moses Lake, Washington.

Vic taught her to drive and also passed on his love of flying and so she too obtained her private pilot’s license.  They were long time members of the International Flying Farmers and flew in their Cessna extensively throughout Canada, the United States, Mexico and Central America.  With Phyllis’ gift for gab, they made friends wherever they went.  Phyllis served as the Washington Flying Farmer “Queen” and wrote many national prize winning newsletters and was honored as “Women of the Year” at both the local and national levels.  How she managed to do all this with three small kids in tow is a testament to her organizational skills.

Phyllis was very active in the Menno Mennonite Church.  She was affirmed as a member in 1953 and was re-baptized in May of 1962 by Pastor Lester Jansen.  Phyllis served in various capacities such as President of Women in Mission, teaching Sunday school, choir, running the children‘s Christmas program and acting as publicity spokesperson for the annual Mennonite Country Auction for many years.

One of her favorite pastimes was wheat weaving.  She was a member of the National Association of Wheat Weavers and enjoyed going to their conferences to visit with fellow weavers and learn new techniques.  Phyllis enjoyed sharing her craft by teaching various women’s groups and also many grade school students in Moses Lake.  Her wheat weaving booth at the Mennonite Country Auction was always crowded and usually sold out.  One of her wheat weavings even graced a White House Christmas tree.

Phyllis is survived by her sister, her husband of 58 years, her three children, five grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Thank you to all the people who have provided heart felt support for the family during this transitional time.  A special thank you goes out to all who work for Hospice for making Phyllis’ final days comfortable and peaceful.

The services for Phyllis will be August 8 at 4:00 P.M. at the Menno Mennonite Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Menno Mennonite Church or the Mennonite Country Auction at 1378 N Damon Rd, Ritzville, WA  99169.

You may sign the guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel@gmail.com.