Phyllis M. Ottum

Phyllis M. Ottum, age 94, of Chesterfield Township, Michigan formerly of El Paso, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2023 at home. She was born on March 8, 1929, in Glencoe Township, Wisconsin to the late Arthur and Marcella Reck. Phyllis married Arthur “Joe” Ottum on September 23, 1950 in Granite City, Illinois. He preceded her in death on December 30, 2009. Phyllis dedicated her life to her faith and was a devout Catholic who actively served as a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in El Paso, Texas, for 46 years, where she held various volunteer positions. Additionally, she volunteered for 14 years at the pharmacy of Wm. Beaumont Army Medical Center, Fort Bliss, Texas, with the American Red Cross. She retired from Sears Roebuck and Company in 1984 after 12 years of service. She enjoyed living abroad while accompanying her husband who was in the military, and traveling to visit friends and family. In addition to teaching piano, she found joy in entertaining her husband’s soldiers by playing the accordion and piano. Phyllis will be fondly remembered as a devoted and affectionate mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and sister, who touched the lives of many people and will be deeply missed. What meant the most to her was being at peace with everyone and accepting people exactly as they are. Phyllis is survived by her children: Joseph Ottum; Sally (Floyd) Coby; Bambi (Doug) Brimmer; 3 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and her sisters: Violetann “Vi” (Charles) Gilbert, of Wabasha, Minnesota; and Jeanne Sula, of Winona, Minnesota, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Patricia Ottum, brother and sister-in-law, Wilmer and Mary Ann Reck, sisters and brothers-in-law, Lois Mae “Louie” and Lawrence Huneke, Mary Jane and Jack Lane, Belvadine and Marvin Klassen and brother-in-law, Stephen Sula. The family will hold a private ceremony at a future date at Fort Bliss, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the honor of Phyllis Ottum to Hospice of Michigan, Donation Processing Center, 400 Galleria Officentre #400, Southfield, Michigan 48034 Arrangements in care of Jowett Funeral Home - New Haven.

Phyllis M. Ottum

March 8, 1929 - April 24, 2023