Phyllis Lorraine Ottesen

September 8, 1923 - September 28, 2010. Twain Harte resident Phyllis Lorraine Ottesen died peacefully at her home, surrounded by loved ones, on Tuesday September 28th of pancreatic cancer. Born in Sacramento, she lived most of her youth in Berkeley and graduated from Berkeley High in 1941. During World War II she worked as a secretary at the Richmond Shipyard. Later she married Max Farris Murphy and raised three children in Clipper Mills, California where she was active in the PTA and her local election board. Years after her first husband passed away, she got reacquainted with Robert Ottesen, an old childhood friend. He had also lost his wife of many years and they were of great comfort to each other. A friendship eventually turned to love and they were married in 1991. She relocated to Twain Harte, California where she was very active in her church and community, developing a large circle of friends. She loved knitting, crossword puzzles, and activities with her family, especially her grand and great grandchildren. She is survived by her loving children Kathleen Lorraine Vachon (Terry) of Reno, Barbara Gaydos (Robert) of Reno, her son David Murphy of Belgrade, Montana and her devoted husband Robert G. Ottesen of Twain Harte. In addition she is survived by her grandchildren Stephen Vachon (Jessica) of Gilbert, Arizona, Jeff Vachon, Ericka Chisholm, Tasha Rossi (Justin), and Giovani Gerrard, all of Reno and Kenneth Rego (Andria) of Sacramento and five great grandchildren. She is also survived by Robert's children Gary Ottesen of Orinda, Kathy Ottesen-Davis (Howard) of Oakland and John Ottesen (Linda) and their two daughters Ally and Christy of San Ramon. She was preceded in death by her brother William Strachan, sister Myra Zirion and husband Charlie of Clipper Mills, California, her first husband Max Murphy, and her grandson Nick Gerrard. Phyllis brought much joy and love to her friends and family and will be missed by us all. A memorial service is planned to celebrate her life on Monday October 18th at 2pm at Chapel in the Pines, 18580 Cherokee Dr., Twain Harte, CA 95383. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to benefit her church to Chapel in the Pines, 18580 Cherokee Dr., Twain Harte, CA 95383, in memory of Phyllis Ottesen. Heuton Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements. Send Condolences to www.appealdemocrat.com