Phyllis Lynn Walker Pyle, a healthy and vibrant wife, mother, and grandmother, was taken from us too soon in an auto-pedestrian accident on April 17, 2019 in Kanab, Utah at the age of 80. Phyllis is survived by her spouse, Charles Roger Pyle and brother, Todd Richard Walker. She is also survived by her children and their spouses Craig Roger Pyle (Deena); David Brett Pyle; and Melanie Quest Locher (John) ; and by five grandchildren, Carson, Chloe, Harrison, Jackson, and Jenner.
Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents Jack Burkett Walker and Vivian Maravene Harris Walker; her brother, Robert Carleton Walker; her Father-in-Law Charles Raymond Pyle; and her Mother-in-Law Lila Mae Genson Pyle. Phyllis was born in Portland, Oregon on September 21, 1938 to Jack Burkett Walker and Vivian Maravene Harris Walker. Phyllis attended Lewis & Clark College in Portland and graduated from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma in 1961 with a degree in Sociology.
It was at the University of Puget Sound that Phyllis met her husband, Chuck. They had an immediate connection at a Fraternity-Sorority Fireside Dance and began dating. Chuck was a member of Sigma Chi and Phyllis was a member of Pi Beta Phi.
Chuck fell for her beauty, personality, and her quickness to laughter. Their first date was a bike ride, which would become emblematic of their shared interests and hobbies. During their junior year, Chuck gave Phyllis a Sigma Chi pin symbolizing their commitment and a pre-engagement.
Chuck later proposed to Phyllis on Mount Tabor with a ring he purchased using a collection of silver dollars he earned as a paperboy. They were married on June 24 th , 1961 not long after they both graduated from the University of Puget Sound. Phyllis’ work contributions included a role at Title & Trust Company and responsibilities in the accounting department at Boeing.
She was also a strong and committed military wife who lived in Arizona, Texas, Nebraska, and Oregon during Chuck’s active military service. While Chuck was serving in Vietnam, Phyllis and her oldest son Craig lived with Phyllis’ parents, where mother and son established a special bond that both mother and son cherished and always carried with them. Chuck and Phyllis eventually built a home and settled in Washington state to raise three children.
Phyllis was instrumental in establishing the Deaf Blind Services Center in Seattle. This endeavor ensured better programs and support for the deaf-blind community and was inspired by her second son, David, who was born with no hearing and limited sight. Phyllis also contributed consistent time volunteering as the secretary for Parents & Friends for People with Disabilities, as an election official, and as a parent volunteer in her children’s schools.
As a loving and dedicated mother, she offered unwavering support for each of her children and their interests, goals, and educational pursuits. She extended unconditional love during their challenges and always remained a positive of encouragement. Phyllis also loved watching her five grandchildren grow and develop into kind, intelligent youth.
She was always willing to play games, find interesting activities, and help them with creative projects and outdoor adventures. Phyllis enjoyed an active and stimulating lifestyle that included a long-standing book group and recent drawing classes. She loved swimming, yoga, biking, hiking, and traveling.
Her travels included three group bike trips to the Netherlands and France, and around the entire state of Arizona. She made several cross-country trips visiting scores of states, national parks, and historic sites, and she also experienced a transformative, once-in-a-lifetime trip to Egypt with her daughter, Melanie. Phyllis had an infectious laugh and a much-loved ability to find humor and joy in life.
She was a kind, hard-working, dedicated woman who made the world better, and she leaves a legacy of strong, moral family members who are committed to following her lifelong example. A memorial and celebration of Phyllis’ life is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m. at Wabash Church located at 18325 SE 384th St, Auburn, WA 98092. Russ Weeks will officiate the ceremony.
All are welcome to attend. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the Deaf Blind Services Center of Seattle at 1620 18th Avenue, Suite #200, Seattle, WA 98122, or at their website: seattledbsc.org/donate/ . The family would like to thank emergency professionals in Kanab, Utah for their kindness and care.
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