Phyllis Marie Compton

Phyllis Marie Compton, 76, of Kingsley, went to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday afternoon, November 8th, 2016, surrounded by the comfort and love of her closest family. Born on January 5th, 1940, in Traverse City, she was the daughter of the late Willis and Margaret (Ackerman) Morgan.

Growing up on a farm in Kingsley molded her into the gentle and caring woman she was to those who knew her. Commitment to detail and excellence in everything she did was on display from a young age where she played alto horn in the school band and was proudly the valedictorian of her Kingsley High School Class of 1958.

Soon after graduation, she met her life partner and best friend Ronald Compton, whom she married on October 25th, 1958. Outside of spending eight years in Japan, Maryland, and Empire while she stood by his side serving their country, together, they started a family and planted their roots back in the childhood community she loved and knew best.

Two things were immediately apparent of those who knew Phyllis; she loved her family and had a servant’s heart like no other. The door of her home was always open and a common gathering place among friends and family alike. Throughout the years, many people in the area were blessed with sharing a slice of cake that Phyllis poured her love into baking and decorating. She jumped at chances to attend sporting or school events of anyone in her family or community circle. She enjoyed spreading her smile on cross-country visits to see extended family and friends.

She was thankful to share and grow her faith through bible study. Her favorite verse and map for life was Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” She had a knack for spotting four-leaf clovers, which she frequently gave away in the form of warm hugs and calm kind words; likely to be one of her most missed qualities by those close to her.

Her legacy of love lives on by those surviving; husband of 58 years, Ron Compton; children, Julie (Lynn) Frentner, Ron Compton and Shelly (Jason) Talsma; precious grandchildren and darling great-grandchildren; brothers, Joe Morgan and Jim (Ruth) Morgan; sister, Barbara (Bud) Benton; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Leon (Helen) Morgan and Jerry (Iris) Morgan; sister, Sheila (Jake) Smith; sister-in-law, Jackie Morgan; and grandson, Sgt. Justin Hansen.

Relatives and friends may gather for visitation at noon, Saturday, November 12th at Covell Funeral Home in Kingsley. A Service will begin at 1p.m. with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations on Phyllis’ behalf may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.