Phyllis Stites

Stites , Phyllis 7/2/1926 - 9/2/2014 Of Grand Blanc, age 88, died Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at Genesys Regional Medical Center. Phyllis (Merchant) Stites was a feisty, fun-loving force of nature, who despite her size, approached life with a take charge, take no prisoners attitude and a contagious cackle. Born in pretty much the only house in Summit City, Michigan on July 2, 1926 to Ruth and Ralph Merchant, she grew up in Traverse City. When her family moved to Bunker Hill Road, she became smitten with the boy next door, David K. Stites. Young Stites was a mason, thought he would not remain a "free" mason for long, as the couple wed in 1946. By the fifties, Phyllis had followed him down the rocky road to Flint, where with his cousin, Phillip, he established Genesee Cut Stone & Marble Co. Over the years, Phyllis became mother to a trio of daughters and a full-time homemaker with a flair for decorating and an eye for antiques. With her jaunty Pendleton plaids and jingly silver bracelets, Phyllis cut a fashionable figure and she dressed her girls in Polly Flinders finery. Phyllis loved literature, language, art and history and had a talent for singing. She never failed to keep pace with popular culture and as a septuagenarian, was a fan of Pee Wee Herman and Prince. Cooking was not one of her passions, but she was renowned for her Thanksgiving feasts, featuring Rockwellian plates of turkey and trimmings. A true Traverse City native, fudge was her specialty and her family were devoted fudgies. Long before Traverse City was "Pure Michigan", it was pure Phyllis. She adored her hometown. Milliken's, Wilhelm's and Votruba's were favorite haunts, as was Oatka Beach, where she'd park her Ford convertible in the shade on summer afternoons, devouring bestsellers while her girls played in the bay. Beginning with the aptly named "Phyl's Cat", Phyllis kept a succession of beloved pets-dogs, cats and horses. Reba, a black Lab, was a particular favorite. Phyllis had a definite soft spot for animals of all shapes and stripes. Phyllis devoted her life to her beloved husband, David and to their family. Her energy, zany humor and sassy spirit will be sorely missed by all and memories of her will surely be treasured. Phyllis is survived by her husband, David and daughters, Jeanie (Wayne) Mortensen, Patricia (Richard) Bouck and Jan (Ray) Pezzi, as well as granddaughters, Amy (Daniel Schvartsman) Mortensen and Abby Mortensen, as well as Phyllis' special friend, Barbara Belanger. Cremation has taken place and private services have been held by the family. Those wishing an expression of sympathy may donate to the Great Lakes Humane Society (www.greatlakeshs.com) or the Humane society of Genesee County. The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff of Genesys ER and Three South for their compassionate care. Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com