Phyllis J. Young

Phyllis was born April 17th, 1931 in Sidney, Ohio to Harry and Ethel Young. She spent her childhood traveling between Ohio and Elk Rapids, spending many summers fishing on Elk Lake and working on her many hobbies.

A talented crafter, Phyllis owned her own business, Phyllis Originals. She was a gifted ceramist, painter, seamstress, and more, honing her skills over decades. She was most well known for her Michigan Necklace, a strand of hand painted beads that showcased the beauty of our state- one Phyllis chose to make her home.

A long time resident of Miller’s Park, she often had people stopping by her home and studio to visit and look at her many crafts. Her studio even earned the nickname, Miller’s Park Youth Center. Phyllis also traveled to numerous craft shows across Northern Michigan and made many special friends after summers spent together. She was a phenomenal friend, making sure everyone was well taken care of before herself. Phyllis had many friends at Noble Pines, First Presbyterian Church, and in the Elk Rapids community.

Phyllis was also a lighthouse enthusiast and spent time traveling to many Michigan lighthouses celebrating their beauty. Her favorite was the Charlevoix South Pier lighthouse, and she spent many years celebrating her birthday walking the pier and enjoying dinner at Stafford’s Weathervane.

She is survived by her sister, Katherine (Young) Monnier of Golden, CO; her nieces Michelle Monnier Wildenhaus (and Michael Wildenhaus) of Atlanta, GA, and Janelle Monnier (and Michael Fehn)of Golden, CO; her great niece Karly Wildenhaus of London, England; great nephews Chris M. Fehn of Golden, CO, Michael Fehn of Whitethorn, CA, and John J. Wildenhaus of Atlanta, GA; many special friends, and individuals that were lucky enough to have been “adopted” by her, the Hollabaugh and Marker families.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her mother, Ethel (Elsner) Young and her father, Harry Walter Young.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Friday, April 11th, 2014 at Covell Funeral Home with a service to follow at 11:00 AM. Reverend Sheila Marker will be officiating. A luncheon is planned immediately following the service at AMVETS Post 114. Arrangements were entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Elk Rapids.