Phyllis G. Wood

Phyllis was born on October 22, 1934, in Denver, Colorado, to Lawrence and Mary (Beach) Brown. She attended South High School in Denver.

On February 6, 1953, she married the love of her life, Billy (Bill) Eugene Wood at Hunters Point in San Francisco, California.

After Bill was discharged from the Navy, they moved to Boulder Colorado and started their family. As the family grew, Phyllis and Bill moved many times including to Fort Collins Colorado, Newark California, Ogden Utah, Trident Montana, and finally returned to Denver in August of 1968. Phyllis was a stay-at-home mom until her youngest daughter was in school. She attended Community College of Denver, where she received her associate’s degree and then transferred to the University of Northern Colorado where she graduated with a degree in Audiology. Phyllis dedicated her early career to nurturing young children while working at All Saints Episcopal Daycare in Denver. She left All Saints and went to work for the City and County of Denver in the day care and licensing department. She remained there until her retirement.

After retiring, Phyllis and Bill moved to Connecticut and Ohio before returning to Denver, where they both worked for the Colorado Rockies’ guest relations. In 2002, they made Greeley their home. Bill preceded her in death in 2017, and Phyllis continued to live in Greeley.

Phyllis was an avid lover of nature, fishing, and travel. She loved spending time with her family and being in their cabin. She proudly visited all 50 states and explored the beauty of England, Ireland, and Scotland. Her adventurous spirit was shared through countless trips with her daughters, creating cherished memories along the way. She was also a passionate Girl Scout leader, a bowler, had a love for her dogs, and had a special talent for finding treasures in junk stores. Phyllis was an avid sports fan and attended the University of Colorado Football games from 1970 until the 2024 season. She supported the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, Colorado Avalanche as well as many other Colorado sports teams.

Phyllis is survived by her four children: Gail Marie Austin (Ron Gesick), Phyllis Kimberley Willett (Phil), Mary Eleanor Ruggles (Mike), and Richard Douglas Wood (Linda); her brother, Frank Brown; sister-in-law, June Nash; eight grandchildren — Ginger, Tony, Jolinda, Bobby, Melissa, Eric, Justin, and Tanner — and five great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Wood; her parents Mary and Lawrence Brown; her sons, Franklin and Jeff Wood; her brother, Lawrence Brown; Her sisters-in-laws’ Ruth Brown and Jan Brown; and her grandson, Cody.

Phyllis’s warmth, generosity, and love of life touched all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to NOCO Humane (formerly Weld County Humane Society) or any other animal shelter.