Phyllis Harp

Phyllis Esta Goodhall Harp peacefully passed on to her Heavenly Father surrounded by her beloved family in Glendale, Arizona on May 17, 2022. She was born on May 26, 1925 in Washington Township, Michigan. Phyllis was the first born child of Willard and Esta Goodhall. She was raised on a farm near Ashley, MI, attended a one room schoolhouse, and graduated from Ashley High School in 1943.

Phyllis is survived by her 6 children, 16 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Her daughters Joan Cook, Eileen Estle, Kristeen Ryan, and Shirley Clarkin all live in the Phoenix area. Her sons are David Harp of Phoenix and Lynn Harp of Evanston, Wyoming.

Phyllis was first introduced to Paul by her friend, Fern, who was also his younger sister. Before boarding the train to go to war, in 1941, Paul kissed both his sister and Phyllis goodbye. Sparks flew and Phyllis told her friend, "I'm going to marry that man!" On July 4, 1943, Paul and Phyllis married at her parents’ home.

Since Phyllis was one of the youngest officers' wives on base, she was grateful for a few women who embrace her and helped her adapt to military life. When Paul shipped out to Europe during World War II, Phyllis moved their trailer to Owosso Bible College and attended for one year. Here her lifelong love of missions developed. She also worked in an ammunition factory during the war.

After Paul returned in 1946, they moved their trailer to Lansing, Michigan and lived in it while building their house at 624 Loa Street. As soon as the basement was enclosed, they moved into it and continued building while starting their family.

Phyllis was committed to being a full-time homemaker, canning fruits and vegetables from her garden, and she was able to supplement the family food budget. Her frugality was the gift she passed on to all her Harp children. She was blessed with six children and had 4 babies in 3 years. Paul and Phyllis deeply loved their family and raised them with godly wisdom. They were so proud that all 6 children graduated from college, a very important family value. For many years, Phyllis served as her church’s mission’s president, always supported missions, and generously created an on-going scholarship for missions majors at Olivet Nazarene University.

Upon their retirement in 1980, they began traveling the USA in their converted van. Once they moved to Arizona, they lived in Phoenix, Prescott and Peoria for many years before permanently settling at Glencroft in 2008.

Phyllis enjoyed birdwatching, arranging flowers, playing the piano, and faithfully prayed for their entire family by name. She always exuded joy and was so delighted to receive frequent visits and cards from family. To know Phyllis was to love her!

Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents, brother Herbert Goodhall, sister Patricia Shaw, and her husband Paul of nearly 75 years.