Phyllis Kriese

Phyllis Maile Yen Kriese, age 94, of Puyallup, Washington, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and love.

Born on July 19, 1931, in Kahului, Maui, Phyllis grew up surrounded by family, community, and the spirit of aloha that she carried with her throughout her life. After graduating from St. Anthony’s High School in 1950 and attending Maui Community College, she joined the United States Air Force in 1952. There she trained as a radio operator — a role that suited her quick mind and calm presence.

In 1953, while stationed at McChord Air Force Base, she met a young airman named Ronald Kriese. It didn’t take long for them to realize they were meant to share a life together. They married on base in 1955 and settled in Puyallup, where they built their home and raised three children: Bryan, Tanya, and Khruawan.

Phyllis had a gift for connecting with people. Whether she was chatting on the phone lines for the Puyallup Fair, teaching a cooking class, or volunteering at All Saints Catholic Church, she brought joy and humor wherever she went. Phyllis and Ron were members of the Waller Road Grange and founders of the Hawaii 50th Club. Her love of food, her laughter, and her knack for making everyone feel at home made her a friend to so many.

For over thirty years, Phyllis worked at Charles Wright Academy, where she became affectionately known as “Mrs. Kriese.” She brightened the halls with her warmth and kindness, and made lifelong friends who became like family. Even after she retired in 2012, her spirit remained part of the school’s fabric.

Phyllis loved her garden, where she could often be found tending to flowers or herbs, and she loved to travel — always eager to see new places, try new foods, and meet new people. She had a curious mind, a generous heart, and a wonderful sense of humor that could light up any room.

Above all, Phyllis was devoted to her family and faith. She was the heart of every gathering, the one who made traditions meaningful and everyday moments special.

Phyllis is survived by her children, her siblings Betty Jane, Gordon, Al, Marilyn, and Paula and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the All Saints Catholic School Scholarship Fund or Charles Wright Academy — places that reflect the values she lived by: education, community, and kindness.

Phyllis’s smile, stories, and spirit will be deeply missed — but the love she gave so freely will continue to ripple through all the lives she touched.

Details of a service forthcoming.