Phyllis Lorraine Hoenhous

epidemic that moved across America.) She grew up on a farm and graduated Valedictorian

of her High School class in 1935. Soon thereafter, she married Forrest (Frosty) Hoenhous, a

longtime neighbor from her farming community. Together they had a son (Freddy) and daughter

(Gerri). During this time, the nation was feeling the effects of the Great Depression and money

was scarce. Phyllis and Frosty worked various jobs to put food on the table and keep a roof over

their heads.

In 1943, expecting Frosty to be inducted into the army, they moved to Seattle, Washington to

be closer to their parents. In 1946 they purchased their first home on Burke Avenue, in the

Wallingford district of Seattle. They took in roomers (borders) and Phyllis not only prepared 3

meals a day, handled all the laundry and cleaning, but also cleaned homes for outside clients.

After Phyllis’ mother Alice was tragically killed in an automobile accident (1952), the couple

decided to move to the country (Bothell). During this time, Phyllis entered into business with

longtime friend from North Dakota, Ethel Ellegaard. They ran the Dutchman Café where they

prepared breakfast and lunch for working men. After two years (1955), Phyllis opened her own

cafe (named after Frosty) in Juanita. Building the business required 16 hour workdays with ½

hour nap. It was no time before Frosty’s was widely known for its amazing comfort food and daily

fresh home-baked pies. It became a popular restaurant that is still remembered and talked about

to this day. (Even George Liberace made a point of visiting Frosty’s when he came to town.)

Phyllis retired in 1982 and became an avid golfer. She formed a strong group of friends

endearingly known to her family as “the golf girls”. Her first love was gardening. When she wasn’t

golfing, she was most likely tending her garden. She knew all her trees, shrubs and flowers by

their technical names. Her yard was always gorgeous and her summer baskets lavish.

Phyllis & Frosty moved to Wandering Creek Retirement Community in 1990 where she was

active in the community. She loved playing cards (especially Bridge), Hand & Foot, Cribbage,

and Train Dominoes. She also took up flower arranging, quilling, quilting, and other crafts, and

enjoyed taking soup to the sick and flower arrangements to many.

Phyllis and Frosty celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary not long before Frosty passed

away in January, 2001. Phyllis remained in Wandering Creek for several years until moving

into a mother-in-law apartment attached to the home of her daughter, Gerri. She loved her little

home there where she could still have a garden, continue her social life, and entertain friends. In

later years she lived in Madison House in Kirkland, and then moved to Sunrise in Bothell which

became her final home. She always loved people and looked forward to entertainment, time with

family and friends, and especially loved eating out.

Phyllis passed away on Tuesday, January 26th just two weeks before her 103rd birthday. She

lived to become the Matriarch of five generations including 2 children, 8 grandchildren, 2 honorary

grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 2 honorary great-grandchildren, 5

great-great grandchildren, and 2 honorary great-great grandchildren.

She was faithful in remembering the birthdays and anniversaries of family and friends – sending

gifts and cards. She was thoughtful and generous, loved to laugh, had amazing positivity, and

when life got tough, she was tougher and found a way to smile in the process.

She lived life to the fullest and leaves a beautiful legacy of love and memories for all.

In memory of Phyllis, memorials may be given to

Seattle Children’s Hospital

4800 Sandpoint Way, Seattle, WA 98105

https://www.seattlechildrens.org/giving/donate/