Phyllis Marie Lehman

Phyllis Marie Lehman, age 77, passed away peacefully with family by her side on August 19, 2022 at The Brook in West Branch. Phyllis was born on July 8, 1945 as the third child to Leo and Nedra (Wangler) Lehman in West Branch, Michigan. She graduated from West Branch High School in 1963 and Central Michigan University in 1967. After 28 years of teaching middle school and high school math, computer applications and business, she retired from Lakeville Community Schools in 1995. She also owned a store called the Photo Fun Shop in Otisville Michigan. After retirement from teaching, she returned to West Branch to become the manager of West Branch Farmer’s Coop. During which the new office, store and drive-thru were built and the name was changed to North Central Feed & Supply.

Growing up, Phyllis was a tomboy, preferring to be outside and in the barns than to cleaning house. She was always surrounded by family and close friends. She had many long-lasting friendships from high school, college, and teaching. She was the favorite aunt for her 13 nephews and nieces, and they were her pride and joy. She loved to bowl, as well as playing golf and softball. She was inducted into the Ogemaw Bowling Hall of Fame in 2014. She also loved to travel and has traveled throughout Canada; to Alaska, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, Romania, Hungary, and Russia. After she retired for the second time, she traveled to Oregon six years in a row to visit her brother Larry and to volunteer at the Pendleton Roundup. She attended St. Joseph Catholic Church; was a member Michigan Education Association, National Education Association, West Branch Alumni Association, West Branch Optimist Club; a board member for Ogemaw Habitat for Humanity Restore; and a member for the Michigan Youth Bowling Association.

Phyllis was always there to help. Whether you needed help painting a room; or moving across town, the state or from one state to another, she was there. She was always volunteering her time whether it was keeping score for high school basketball game or youth bowling; or school functions. She was a very kind person. She never said a bad word about anyone, even those who took advantage of her.

Phyllis is survived by five brothers, Jack (Sue) of Jacksonville Florida, Larry (Sandy Nicassio) of Pendleton Oregon, Dale of West Branch, Mike (Jann) of Roscommon, and Mark (Cindy) of West Branch; sister Karen (Dean) Ross of Bath Michigan; sister-in-law Shirley Lehman; nephews and nieces, Philip Lehman, Dan Lehman, Amy (Scott) King, Jim (Tiffany) Lehman, Tim (Reagan) Lehman, Toni (Mark Chaffee) Lehman, Carla (Brant) Gnagey, Andrea Lehman, Ryan (Lindsay) Lehman, Josh (Diane) Lehman, Marky (Whitney) Lehman, Jannae (Corey) McCabe, and Kayla (Ryan) Rock; 22 great nephews and nieces; aunt Bernice Lehman of Grand Rapids; and many, many cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents Joseph and Frances Lehman and Philip and Mary Wangler, brother Jerry Lehman and sister-in-law Nadine Lehman.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Brook of West Branch for the wonderful care they have provided to Phyllis over the past 4.5 years. Also, a thank you to Compassus hospice services for the care provided during her last days.

Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Joseph School Scholarship Fund and Ogemaw County USBC – Youth Bowling.

Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin Thursday, August 25, 2022 from 2-8 p.m. with a Rosary being said at 3:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch on Friday, August 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation prior from 10:00 a.m. to start of mass. Father Emmanuel Finbarr will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch, MI.

Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com