This is the story of Phyllis Ann Rash Silver. Phyllis was loved by many, and will be missed. She was “Mimi”, Mom, Sister, and many other roles that left an impact on all that she touched (one way or another). She was short, sassy, stubborn and always willing to give you her opinion regardless if you asked or not – always happy to share. She was a fighter and her spirit was big.
Mom’s story began April 13, 1946, the second child to Rayford and Betty Jo Rash born in San Saba, Texas. When she was little, her family moved to La Marque, Texas where she spent her childhood. She attended Southwest Texas State in San Marcos for one year where she met the father of her children, who ultimately brought her to Austin where all their children were born. They operated a successful concession with many state organizations, including the University of Texas athletic events and the Huntsville prison rodeo. After the divorce, she relocated to Houston area where she was successful as a property manager for Weingarten Realty. Then, her residence was in the Houston area until grandchildren moved her back to the Austin area in 1990. She worked many years as a Commercial Property Manager, then as Provider Relations and Board Liaison for TML IEBP in Austin.
She was born during the time where the economy flourished and supported larger families. She experienced the “Swinging Sixties”, youth culture and the Rise of the Teenager. When she was born, Truman was President. She has lived through 13 different Presidents, rise of Civil Rights, Moon-Walk, and Woodstock. Technology changes taught her to text and use social media. Amazing!
Mimi’s grandchildren were her heart and joy, she loved to take them shopping and attend their extra-curricular or school activities. She was just proud of whatever they did, and wanted to be part of it. As a presence in our lives, it’s hard to put into words the character, elegance and tenacity she provided. We are honored that she took the role of mom, sister, Mimi, aunt, daughter with such dedication.
Not your typical “Senior”, she was active and energetic – always on the go. She had a strong work ethic. She loved Fox News, slots, and country music. But, mostly she loved her family, and always expressed how blessed she was for all of them.
September came with many highs and lows, she bought a home and was moving to Austin to be closer to her children, and grandchildren. She was diagnosed with cancer – round 2. She was able to spend some time in her new house thanks to her cousin Sandra Parks, and she loved it.
Two things that remind me of my mom – “Being Happy doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.” To never give up – it doesn’t matter how long one lives, it matters how. Make an impact. Today, we are celebrating her life, she wouldn’t want it any other way. To remember the good times, and not the sickness or the bad, to look beyond the imperfections. Memories are our Legacy!
Loved ones that cleared the way for Phyllis are her father, Rayford Rash, mother, Betty Jo Rash, sister Betty Jean “Jeanie” Rash. Loved ones that will miss Phyllis until they meet again are her daughter and son-in-law Kim and Jeremy Motsinger; her daughter and son-in-law, Keri and Michael Vinson; her son and daughter-in-law, Trey and Kursten Walden; her grandchildren – David McBride; Ashlee McBride; Brittany Ashton; Lindsay Ashton; Gracie Walden; Maddy Motsinger; Paige Walden; Cody Hogge; Clayton Hogge; Abbey Motsinger; Sophia Schutze; Hailey Mitchell and Ramsey Walden. Her brother, Charlie Rash; her sister and brother-in-law, Susie and Bob Burke; her aunt Glenetta Sanderson, and Uncle Don Rash (Lois). Her cousins, and many nieces and nephews.
She passed away peacefully with family by her side November 7, 2018. Visitation with the family will be held at 10:00 AM followed by the funeral services at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas 78752. Graveside service will be held at 3:00 pm in San Saba City Cemetery in San Saba, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Make a Wish foundation, or Christopher House.
To share condolences with the family, please visit www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.
