Phyllis Ann Root

Phyllis Ann Root, 91, passed away at the Ciel Memory Care Unit in Fayetteville, Ark., on Dec. 7, 2025.

She was born on Christmas Day in 1933 in Galesburg, Ill., to Dorrence Leon Williamson and Eileen Emma Sophia Coziahr.

Phyllis met Donald Wayne Root in the second grade in Peoria, Ill. They were Woodruff High School sweethearts, and they eloped in 1952. The couple spent more than seven decades building a life grounded in partnership, family and faith. Wayne survives her and is currently in hospice care in Fayetteville where they moved to be cared for by family.

For her entire life, Phyllis poured her heart into loving and supporting her family. While raising her children, she first worked the midnight shift as a switchboard operator at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital. She later earned an associate degree in nursing from Lake Michigan College, and for most of her career worked as a surgical nurse at the hospital, where she made lifelong friends. At age 65, Phyllis proudly completed her bachelor's degree at Western Michigan University. Three of her daughters and a granddaughter also hold careers in the nursing profession.

Phyllis adored babies and animals, especially cats, and the family always had a large menagerie. In retirement, she and Wayne enjoyed traveling, visiting her ancestral Sweden, plus Spain, China, Tanzania, and many other countries. A quilter, Phyllis was for a time a member of the Berrien County Quilters Association. She delighted in collecting Santa figurines and building the traditions that will continue in her large family for generations. A favorite tradition was her Christmas cinnamon rolls that she made every holiday until the age of 85.

Phyllis supported Wayne in his ministry as a pastor's wife at the six churches they served, including the United Church of Christ in Sawyer. In her role, she taught Sunday school and provided youth group support and steady volunteer service.

Phyllis is survived by five children, 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. They fondly remember that she would send birthday cards to each person that included the correct number of birthday candles drawn on a cake and rendered in glitter paint.

Her immediate family members, including their spouses and children, are as follows: Jodie Root and Gregory Gilmet, M.D. of Fayetteville and their daughters, Caitlin Gilmet of Portland, Maine, and Kelsey Gilmet of Fayetteville; Valyn Root Bahm and Dennis Bahm of Clayton, N.C., and their children, Andrew Bahm of Clayton, Molly Bahm of Los Angeles, and Joshua Bahm of Chicago; Peggy Root Wolff and Jeff Wolff of Reno, Nev., and their sons, Allen Wolff of Reno and Eric Wolff of Las Vegas; Mark Root, his wife Tina Root, and their daughter, Claire Root of Muskegon, Mich.; Janel Root Groth and Ron Groth of St. Joseph and North Ft. Meyers, Fla., and their daughters: Gillian Korfmacher of St. Joseph and Alyssa Connell of Tacoma, Wash.

The family is planning a joint service honoring both Phyllis and Wayne to be held in St. Joseph, at the First Congregational Church in the spring following Wayne's passing. Donations may be made in their name at any time to the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, St. Joseph.