Phyllis Betty Henderson

      Phyllis Betty Henderson was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Phyllis will be remembered as an outstanding individual.

      Phyllis was born on March 22, 1920 at home in Santa Ynez, California. She was the daughter of Frank and Julia Knight. Phyllis grew up in Santa Ynez.

      Phyllis was raised with twelve siblings. She had nine older sisters and brothers and three younger sisters and brother. Phyllis was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings shared many life experiences over the years.

      As a young girl, Phyllis had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. Phyllis was an active child who took part in baseball, kickball and tennis. She was a campfire girl. In her spare time she liked cooking. However, to Phyllis, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her family.

       She graduated from Santa Ynez High School in 1938.

      Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Phyllis enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. Later in life, she became friends with Margie.

       Empathic and loyal, Phyllis was committed to making her new family happy.

      Phyllis worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Phyllis was blessed with two girls, Donna and Julie. Another blessing for Phyllis was the gift of eight grandchildren, Todd, Danielle, Shawn, Kira, Aubrina, Ian, Noah and Jessica.

      Her primary occupation was a stay at home mom. She was employed at Trans World Airlines until she became pregnant with Donna.

      Phyllis enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were reading and gardening. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Phyllis found pleasure in sports. In high school, Phyllis played basketball and softball. Recreational sports included volleyball. Phyllis was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she had the chance to do so.

      Phyllis was a woman who took pride in upholding her beliefs. So it is little wonder that she took an active role in her community, serving on committees for the PTA and Girls Scouts.

      Phyllis’s faith was important to her. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints since 1978. During that time, she was a primary teacher and a visiting teacher coordinator.

      Phyllis enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Hawaii and her home town of Santa Ynez.

       In retirement, she found new pleasure in square dancing. Phyllis was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

      Phyllis passed away on January 30, 2008 at Golden Sunset Haven Board and Care. She is survived by her children Donna and Julie; her grandchildren, Todd, Danielle, Shawn, Kira, Aubrina, Ian, Noah and Jessica and her sisters, Sylvia and Pat. Services were held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Phyllis was laid to rest in Oak Hills Memorial Park in Ballard, California.

      Simply stated, Phyllis was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Phyllis leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Phyllis Betty Henderson.