Phyllis L. Boyer

Phyllis Boyer, 88, of Mt. Pleasant and formerly of Grand Rapids died peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2006 at Tendercare in Mt. Pleasant with her family at her side. She fought a courageous battle with Alzheimers for six years. She was born February 12, 1918, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Ray and Mildred (Post) Squires. She had a wonderful childhood with two doting and patient parents who encouraged girls to get an education and Phyllis did just that. A legacy, which modeled the importance of education, was left to her children and grandchildren. After graduation from East Grand Rapids High School she attended St. Marys School of Nursing and became president of her class, graduating with honors. On January 2, 1942 she married Roger Boyer at St. Thomas Church in Grand Rapids. For many years her husbands job involved extensive traveling and the parenting responsibilities fell upon Phyllis. She dedicated her life to being a good mother to her four children. After raising her family she returned to the work force and, after holding many different nursing positions, she eventually became Director of Nursing at Kent Community Hospital until her retirement. Phyllis found joy in knitting, gardening, playing bridge, golfing, cooking, and being a mom and grandmother. She never bragged, but she did win a few womens golf championships and bagged a hole-in-one. Phyllis will be sadly missed by her four children, Sue (Walter) Bisard and Trish (Steve) Chase, both of Mt. Pleasant, Carolynn (Ted) Hestand of Grand Rapids and Jim (Bev) Boyer of Helena, Montana; seven grandchildren, Kelly Blue, Jody Deems, Mark Bisard, Matt Chase, Kristen Chase, Hayley Chase, and Ryan Hestand; and seven great-grandchildren, Georgia and Suzy Deems, Audrey, Natalie and Jack Blue, and Caleb and Jonas Bisard. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger; her only sister, Marjorie; and her parents. A private family service will be held for Phyllis at a later date. Her family hopes that if you knew Phyllis you would send a special prayer her waythey know shell get it.