Phyllis passed away September 5, 2018, in her home with her family at her side. She was born in Ventura, California on July 18, 1925, to Phillip and Bessie Andrade. Phyllis attended local schools, Lincoln Elementary, Cabrillo Junior High, and Ventura High School. After graduating she went to work at the Port Hueneme Naval Base as a secretary. This is where her two older sisters, Maxine and Natalie also worked. This was during World War II, Phyllis worked in the shipping department in charge of the war vehicles being sent overseas. All of the Jeeps, weapon carriers, transport trucks, basically anything that was on wheels. The three sisters were all very close and loved going to the USO dances.
Phyllis met her husband, “Dick” on a blind date in 1946. When he said goodnight after their first date Dick told her “I’m going to marry you someday.” They were married seven months later on July 11, 1947. By then the war had ended, so Phyllis quite her job at the Naval Base and they moved into a home which was built by Dick, his dad, and friends on Vince Street in Ventura. In 1951, the couple had their first child, Howard; their second child, Dalton followed two years later in 1953. They took the boys to the beach often and eventually Phyllis and Dick bought a lot and built another home in the Pierpont beach neighborhood; where both Phyllis and Dick resided until their deaths. They loved their beach house, her three cats, her crossword puzzles, the many parties, celebrations, walks on the beach, watching the family surf or boogie board, and having such wonderful neighbors.
Phyllis worked at various jobs, but her favorite was at the Ventura Elks Lodge #1430. Dick was a 64 year member at the Elks, and the couple made many long lasting friends there. Phyllis worked as the Lodge secretary for eighteen years. She was a member of the Ventura Emblem Club #157 for 43 years, helping with all the dinners, fish fries, burgers, spaghetti, and the bingo hot dog booth. She was so helpful doing all of the table settings for every event. She loved keeping busy… And, Phyllis was loved by all.
Phyllis also belonged to a boutique with her sister that had around twenty different artists. She made all beach themed items, and she enjoyed collecting sea glass, driftwood, and rocks from the beach to use in her art.
Phyllis and Dick also belonged to a group of 25 grads from Ventura High School. They took yearly trips together, with lots of fun and many memories made. The two of them also loved traveling to the Sierra’s yearly to visit with longtime friends.
Phyllis is survived by her son, Howard (Nancy) of Oceanside; granddaughters, Natalie (Doug) of Laguna Niguel, and Serena of Dana Point; sisters, Maxine Carpenter, and Natalie Dawley of Ventura; brother-in-law, Roger Whitlock (Janett) of Camarillo; many nieces and nephews; special friend, Alice; all of her dear neighbors on Belfast Lane; and her caregivers, Madeline and Jacquelyn. Thank you for being there for our family. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dick who passed in 2011 at the age of 88; son, Dalton who passed away in 1995 at the age of 41; and her granddaughter, Jeanne who passed away in 2001 at the age of 17.
A celebration of life will be held for Phyllis on Friday, October 26, 2018, 1:00 to 3:00 P.M., at the Ventura Elks Lodge #1430, 2126 Knoll Drive, Ventura, CA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ventura Elks Lodge #1430; or any charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home.
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