Mrs. Phyllis Jeanne Taylor's Obituary
Phyllis Jeanne (VanRiper) Taylor was born in Muskegon on March 6, 1925 and passed peacefully on Wednesday, August 10, 2011. She lived her entire life in the town she loved. The only child of Paul and Marie VanRiper, Phyllis was raised in a big old house on Terrace Street surrounded by extended family. Her cousins and grandparents were a big part of that family and she talked fondly about her childhood shared with many loving relatives. Her special cousin, Peggy (VanRiper) Spiwak, was always more of a sister to her. They continued to share adventures together until Peggy's death in 2009. Phyllis attended Muskegon High school and upon graduation she started to pursue a career in dance. She spent time with a dance company in Chicago before coming back to Muskegon and opening her studios. At one time she had two studios in the area. Dance continued to fill her life even after marriage and having children. In fact, until her health failed, she was still talking about dancing with the ladies who became her friends at Sanctuary at the Oaks. She married Robert Taylor in 1946 at Central United Methodist Church in Muskegon, Michigan. Robert had served in the US Marine Corps during WWII. They settled into a house on Mills Avenue in North Muskegon where they raised their two children, Tamara and Gregg. Phyllis opened a dance studio in her home and taught many children through the years. Proceeds from her yearly dance recitals helped to support the North Muskegon recreation program for many years. She was proud of her contribution to her community. Several of her dance students continued to correspond with Phyllis throughout her life. This meant a great deal to her. Robert's struggle with MS was a focus of Phyllis' life for many years. She helped to give him strength and fortitude and encouraged him to enjoy each day to the fullest. He died in 1988 after a 25 year battle. During that time, they built the home they loved on the corner of Ruddiman and Ray in North Muskegon. Their screened porch was a gathering spot for people who were walking by. She loved her yard (especially her beautiful flowers and flowering pear tree) and found joy in every season. She always managed to look at the positive side of life, even when it was difficult. Phyllis and "Barky" raised two children, Tamara and Gregg. Many fond memories of fishing and hiking and tobogganing down the snow-covered sand dunes were shared by the family. The wonderful town of North Muskegon was a perfect place to raise children. The family made many friends and was lovingly embraced by those caring people. Later in years Phyllis loved to walk her little beagle, Patches, each night and enjoyed talking to the people she met along the way. Community United Methodist Church in North Muskegon was a big part of Phyllis' life. She continued to be active in that church her entire life. She was chairperson of one of the women's circles and organized bus trips every year that were enjoyed by many people. She also organized the annual Christmas tea for many years. Phyllis volunteered for many community programs. She was a reading buddy for several children at an area school, and also helped at MAP and Every Woman's Place. She believed in giving back to others whenever she could. Travels to Europe and Israel were the highlights of her life and a special trip to Nova Scotia with her daughter and granddaughter was a wonderful time of bonding and memory building. In the last few years, struggles with illness slowed Phyllis down physically, but she never lost her positive spirit and attitude. She simply loved life. She leaves behind her daughter, Tamara and grandchildren, Brian, Sarah (Dave) and Ben of Traverse City and Glen Arbor, and Gregg's widow, Deborah and their children, Heath, Heather, Liz(Doug) and Danielle of Muskegon and Florida; and two great-granchildren, Alexandria and Xavier. She will be missed by all who loved her and were fortunate to know her. She truly blessed many lives and never stopped being thankful for her many blessings. Cremation has taken place. A CELEBRATION OF HER LIFE will be held at Community United Methodist Church in North Muskegon at 11:00AM Tuesday, August 16, 2011. VISITATION will take place one hour before the service. The family would like to thank the compassionate caregivers at Sanctuary of the Oaks and Harbor Hospice. MEMORIALS may be directed to the church or Harbor Hospice. A flowering tree will be planted on the church's grounds in her memory near the tree that was planted in her mother's memory.
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