Phyllis Ann Silva

Phyllis Ann Silva was born on January 10, 1948, to Albert Lee and Anna Elisabeth Faye Grogan in Fair Oaks, Arkansas. At just one and a half years old, she and her mother moved west to Stockton, California, to be with A.L. After a brief stay, they settled in San Carlos, where roofing work was more plentiful.
Phyllis attended local schools in San Carlos, often joking that her walk to school was "uphill both ways" after the family moved to Winding Way. She began working at Gemco but soon sought something more challenging and better-paying. She found a role in high tech at Ampex and enjoyed the work. Later, she joined Fairchild Semiconductor as a Quality Inspector, where she appreciated both the job and the pay. To be closer to work, she bought a townhouse in San Jose.
It was at work that Phyllis met her future husband, Ruben, an engineer. After a brief romance, they became engaged and married two years later. Phyllis moved to Milpitas, where she and Ruben shared their home for the next 50 years. Two years into their marriage, they welcomed James and Mary Ann, joining Chris and Steve to complete their family. With all the kids in school, Phyllis quit her job as a Failure Analysis Technician in the emerging field of MOS devices to focus on raising her children.
Phyllis soon began volunteering as a teacher's aide at the local school, a role she loved. Recognizing her talent, the school offered her a paid position, which she eagerly accepted. This experience inspired her to pursue teaching as a career. She attended San Jose State University and the University of Santa Clara, earning both a BA and an MA in education, along with principal accreditation. Phyllis taught grades three through six in the Milpitas and Fremont school districts. She loved teaching and took great joy in watching her students grow and develop. Although she later became the principal of two schools, she missed the classroom and the direct connection with students, ultimately returning to teaching to finish her career.
Phyllis loved to travel. She and Ruben enjoyed "camping" in cabins, visiting Disney World, and vacationing in Lake Tahoe-sometimes with the kids, sometimes without. Later, her travels took her on cruises with her mom and sisters, as well as trips across America and around the world. Her adventures included visits to Russia, Alaska, Australia, Egypt, and much of Europe, exploring cities like Madrid, Paris, Lisbon, Rome, Istanbul, and Venice.
After retiring, Phyllis devoted herself to caring for her mother and Ruben's father until they passed away. In her later years, health challenges arose, but she always maintained a positive outlook. "Let's plan the next trip," she would say with a smile.
Phyllis celebrated her 77th birthday before passing away peacefully on January 22, 2025. She leaves behind her loving husband, Ruben; her four children, Chris Ehinger, Steve Ehinger, James Silva, and Maryann Silva; and her two sisters, Becky Crawford and Omega Powers. Phyllis had a special place in her heart for her eight grandchildren and cherished every moment spent watching them grow.