Phyllis Ardean Fordyce died in the early hours of January 27, 2012. Born March 16, 1925 in Sunnyside, Washington to Grace and Harold Sapp, Phyllis remained in Sunnyside until high school graduation. She spoke fondly of small town life and cherished her lifelong friendships with fellow classmates.
Phyllis married Warren Fordyce Sr April 15, 1948. They made their home in Portland, Oregon where both daughters were born. The family moved to California in the early 50's when Warren accepted a position with United Air Lines. Returning to the beautiful Pacific Northwest some years later, Warren started his long career with the Boeing Company. The family moved extensively over the next few years as Warren's job took them from Seattle to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, North Bay, Ontario, Canada and Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. In 1962 they purchased a home on Vashon Island upon returning to the Northwest and Phyllis was finally able to put down roots and create the home she had always wanted. It was during their many years on the island that Phyllis found the time to return to her joys of painting and creating beautiful hand sewn items that her family will always cherish.
Upon Warren's retirement they moved to Selah to be closer to family and remained there until health concerns caused them to relocate to an assisted living facility in Prosser. Warren died in October of 2003 and Phyllis found the loss most difficult. She died at Avalon Health Care in Pasco after 7 years of loving care by the staff and her family.
She is survived by daughters Ardean (Ron) Fox of Grandview, Lee Ann (Mark Hornby) Fordyce of New Bern North Carolina, step son Warren (Madelyn) Fordyce Jr of Yakima, four grandchildren, Lori (Jamie) Straus of Woodinville, Susan (Mark) Smith of Camas, Ryan (Gina Veloni) Fox of Snohomish, Andrea (Paul Grundhoffer) Fox of Seattle, four great-grandchildren, Molly and Bradley Smith, Jacob Straus and Ava Grundhoffer. Not be forgotten is her darling dog Cookie who faithfully attended Phyllis and enjoyed her visits with her first and best Mom up to the end.
A private family remembrance will be held at a future date.
