Raymond Arthur Lowther / Phyllis Joyce Lowther

Raymond (Ray) Arthur Lowther, age 90, of AuTrain, Michigan entered everlasting life on April 21, 2020, under the care of family and Lake Superior Hospice after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His wife of 67 years, Phyllis Joyce Lowther, age 90, entered everlasting life on September 5, 2020, surrounded by family and under the care of Lake Superior Hospice.

Ray was born May 12, 1929, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to the late John and Clara Lowther.

Phyllis was born December 16, 1929, in Omro, Wisconsin, to the late Edward Allen and Bernice Brooks and raised by her grandmother, Isabelle Brooks, and numerous aunts and uncles.

Ray and Phyllis met while attending Omro High School. They were married on March 4, 1953 and soon relocated to the Chicagoland area, settling in Oak Park, Illinois. Together, Ray and Phyllis built a life they loved. They raised seven wonderful children: Rae Joyce, William, Amy, Terry, Laurie, Faith, and Peggy. Ray worked as a Merchant Marine and at Bressler’s Ice Cream Company for many years. After raising the children, Phyllis worked for Sidley Austin Law Firm in Chicago. In retirement, Ray and Phyllis moved to AuTrain, Michigan, a location they truly cherished as it was the location of frequent family vacations over the years.

Ray was an avid photographer and was a member of various camera clubs. He won many awards for his beautiful nature photography. When he wasn’t behind a camera lens, you could find Ray with a fishing pole. He enjoyed fishing AuTrain Lake among many other inland lakes in the Upper Peninsula. He enjoyed sharing this hobby with his grandchildren and creating memories with them on the water. Ray always loved putting a smile on other people’s faces. He was a ventriloquist and did many impressions, always making his family laugh and smile. Ray also found great pleasure in music. He loved playing the harmonica and was a member of the church choir.

Phyllis was a creative woman. She enjoyed crafts of all kinds. You could always find Phyllis working on puzzles or playing games with her family. She was a collector of stamps, coins, postcards, and photographs. When her children and grandchildren would visit, you could guarantee she would bring out family photographs to reminisce and share stories with the younger generations. She also had a love for her pets. Together, her and Ray had many cats over the years and one beloved dog, Echo. In the most recent years, you could always find her cat, Noel, by her side or sitting on her lap.

Ray and Phyllis’ belief in God was central to their lives. They were both graduates of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Ray and Phyllis led exemplary lives of service and were active members of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Berwyn, Illinois, and Faith Baptist Church in Munising, Michigan.

Ray and Phyllis are survived by their children: Rae Joyce (Larry) Forssberg, William (Cindy) Lowther, Amy Herstad, Terry (J.B.) Kolbus, Laurie (Michael) Flores, Faith (Rick) Karpus, and Peggy (Archie) Lowther. They are also survived by their grandchildren: Kaeleigh Herstad, Grant Forssberg, Meaghan Herstad, Lauren Forssberg, Ryan Kolbus, Katie Kolbus, Connor Lowther, Mitchell Forssberg, Kevin Herstad, Kedric Herstad, and Renay Johnson. Ray is also survived by one brother, Larry (June) Lowther.

Ray and Phyllis’ greatest joys in life were their love of God, their love for each other, and their love for their family.

A private family service will be held to celebrate the lives of Ray and Phyllis Lowther.

The Lowther’s obituary and online guestbook may be found at bowermanfuneralhome.net