Graveside funeral services for Phyllis Young will be held 10:00am Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at the Fort Smith National Cemetery with Mr. Will Holder officiating. Viewing will be 4:00pm-7:00pm Monday, September 5th at the Mallory-Martin Funeral Home in Spiro, Oklahoma.
Phyllis Jean Young (née Rutledge), of Spiro, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2022 at the age of 93. Phyllis was born on December 31, 1928 in Spiro, Oklahoma to Bessie and William “Bill” Rutledge, and grew up surrounded by family including her beloved grandmother, Ollie Parham. One of her fondest childhood memories was vacation bible school each summer at Spiro United Methodist Church. While still in high school, Phyllis became one of the first switchboard operators for the telephone company in Spiro, a job she kept until marriage and was always very proud of. At the age of 20 she met James Ray Young while eating lunch at the cafe in Spiro. Jimmy was the man she always described as her best friend and the love of her life. In December 1950 she boarded a bus from Spiro to Albuquerque, New Mexico where Jimmy was stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base and they were married on December 6, 1950. Their married life as an Air Force family was full of adventure as they were stationed across the United States and in Spain. Phyllis always said she loved the excitement of Air Force life better than Master Sergeant Young ever did. Phyllis and Jim’s marriage lasted for 59 years, until he passed in August 2010.
Phyllis is survived by her sister, Mrs. Georgia Vines, her sons James Young, William Young, and Kenneth Young and their spouses, and her daughter Marie Holder and her spouse. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved spending time with. Her favorite thing was to watch all of her family gathered together to celebrate.
Phyllis will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, an avid reader, an accomplished seamstress, embroider, gardener, and a member of The Order of the Eastern Star.
You may leave an online message at mallorymartinfuneralhome.com
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