Phyllis Hereford

Born on June 23, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Albert and Elenore (Larson) Egurim, Phyllis’s life was a testament to her unwavering dedication to her family, her profession, and her faith.

Phyllis’s early years were spent in the city of her birth. After graduating from high school, she pursued a career in nursing, a calling that would define much of her life. Her compassionate nature and skilled hands brought comfort and healing to countless individuals over her more than two decades as a registered nurse. Phyllis married James Robert Hereford on January 2, 1946, and together they embarked on a life shaped by his military career. Their union was one of mutual support and adventure, as they made homes in various places, with Phyllis always finding ways to serve in local hospitals, continuing her vocation as a nurse wherever they lived.

Upon her well-deserved retirement, Phyllis and her husband chose the serene beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for their golden years, initially settling in Calumet. After her beloved husband’s passing, Phyllis moved to Marquette to reside with her son, where she continued to embrace life with grace and joy.

Phyllis’s interests were as rich and varied as her experiences. She had an enduring love for classical music, with Mitch Miller ranking among her favorite musicians. Her hands were rarely still, as she found solace and delight in the art of crocheting. A woman of deep faith, Phyllis was a dedicated member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses for over 60 years, often engaging in heartfelt conversations with others about the Bible’s hope for the future.

Her love for cats was well-known, as was her passion for her family, whom she adored above all else. Phyllis was renowned for her culinary skills, ensuring that those she loved were always well-fed and cared for. Her insistence on maintaining a clean and welcoming home was a reflection of her meticulous nature and her desire to provide a sanctuary for her loved ones.

Phyllis’s legacy is carried on by her loving children, William (Colleen) Hereford of Waterford, Wisconsin, Linda (William) Yowell of Prescott, Arizona, and Charlyne Devlin of Ishpeming, Michigan. She was a proud grandmother to Jordan (Amanda) Hereford of Appleton, Wisconsin, Amanda (John) Olson of Waterford, Wisconsin, Jason Hereford of Lake Linden, Michigan, Stacey (Jim) Flood of Dollar Bay, Michigan, Cameron Hereford of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Reaghan Hereford of Waterford, Wisconsin, Gregory Hudson of Fort Worth, Texas, William Yowell Jr. of Gilbert, Arizona and Robin (Will) Locatelli of Prescott, Arizona, and Jolynn (Gerald) VanErt of Eau Claire Wisconsin. Her joy was multiplied with the addition of several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, who will carry her spirit forward.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, her devoted husband, her son Richard Hereford, her sister Karen Sirvo, and her brother Jim Aho. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, yet they find comfort in the memories of her unwavering love and the knowledge that her life was lived to the fullest.

Phyllis Marie Hereford’s journey on earth may have come to a close, but the impact of her kindness, her dedication to her faith, and the warmth of her presence will continue to resonate with all who were blessed to know her. Her story is one of love, service, and the enduring strength of family bonds.

Funeral services for Phyllis will take place at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2245 US 41 Marquette, on Saturday, October 26. Visitation will take place from 12:30 pm until 2:00 pm with John Ferguson to do a Memorial Talk at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York Attn: Donor Support 900 Red Mills Rd, Wallkill, NY 12589.

Canale Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family where condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com.