Phyllis Ann Kovacs

Phyllis Ann Kovacs, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, loyal friend, graced this world with her presence for 97 remarkable years. On December 8, 2023, she passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind her husband of almost 70 years, John Kovacs; her son, Greg Kovacs (Debbie); granddaughter, Jourdan Phipps (Cody); grandson, Alex Kovacs (Zoe); and great grandson, Milo Kovacs. Born on November 23, 1926, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Phyllis’s life’s journey was a testament to passion, dedication, and unwavering love for her family, friends, and her furry friends.

Phyllis grew up in Burlington, Wisconsin where she graduated high school. In 1950, she embarked on a new chapter in her life and moved to southern California where she met the love of her life, John Kovacs. Their love story was a testament to mutual respect, shared adventures, and enduring love. Their paths crossed on a date that Phyllis’s best friend coordinated, and from that point on they were inseparable. They were married in Fort Meyers, Virginia, on December 23, 1953. Together they raised their son, Greg, who in turn blessed them with two cherished grandchildren and one great grandson.

Throughout her life, Phyllis embraced various passions and pursuits. Early in her marriage, she moved to follow John’s work in engineering from California to Washington and Maryland and finally settled in Olympia, Washington in 1979, where she resided until her passing. Most of her career, she worked in accounts receivable for the U.S. Bureau of Standards in Maryland and the U.S. Forestry Service in Olympia, Washington. She retired in 1990. Following retirement, Phyllis volunteered at the Senior Center for 10 years. She enjoyed the comradery of team bowling until she was in her early 80s. Her love for books was infectious, and she believed in the transformative power of literature to transport you into different worlds and perspectives. She would often share her favorite books with family and friends, sparking lively discussions and fostering a love for reading in those around her. Phyllis loved bird watching and always made sure there was ample food and a place for them to bathe when they came to visit. She enjoyed some gardening and raising flowers. Phyllis especially had a heart for dachshunds. She and her family were members of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Phyllis’s life in its entirety was a testament to the power of love and resilience. The love she shared with family and friends will forever be cherished. She shared her love in little ways that became super special. Every year on birthdays, she tied a birthday balloon to the light post in the front yard. She took interest in her family’s lives and activities and loved to share with pride with her friends all their accomplishments. She had a keen memory for special events and people in her family and friend’s lives. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.

No services are planned. A private inurnment will be at Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Olympia. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to your local animal shelter in Phyllis’s honor, a fitting tribute to her lifelong love of animals, especially dachshunds.

As we remember Phyllis, we celebrate a life well-lived and a love well-shared. Phyllis Ann Kovacs will forever live in our hearts, a beacon of love and light that will guide us through the years to come.