Phyllis Jo Devaney

Phyllis Jo DeVaney Phyllis Jo DeVaney passed away peacefully at home Friday morning, April 8thwith her husband and daughter by her side. She was born May 23, 1943 to J. Adelbert (Dell) Schick and E. Mildred Nelson Schick in Wenatchee, Washington. Phyllis was a second generation Schick born in Douglas County. Her parents, grandparents and uncles were well known wheat farmers in the Waterville area. Growing up on the family ranch near Farmer, she enjoyed 4-H where she showed lambs & steers, winning a couple of grand champion ribbons at the fair. She loved horse back riding and helped on the ranch as well, driving a grain truck during harvest as well as other duties in the field. She attended grade school at the one room Shiloh School east of Farmer. Her high school years were full as she belonged to the pep club and played trombone in the school’s marching band. She graduated from Waterville HS in 1960 as Salutatorian. After graduation she went on to Business School in Seattle. WA. As an adult, she loved cooking, gardening, and crocheting, She was an amazing seamstress and won multiple ribbons at the Alaska State Fair including a couple of Grand Champion ribbons for baby clothes she made for her grandchildren. She was also a 50 year member of the “Order of the Eastern Star” which she celebrated recently. Every morning Phyllis loved to read her Bible, her “Daily Bread” along with the local newspaper. She loved Jesus and had many scriptures memorized and could quote them to you if asked. Sadly, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1973, however she never felt sorry for herself or verbalized her own struggles and frustrations. She was amazing! Royal and Phyllis were married December 3, 1975 in Dutch Harbor (Captains Bay) Alaska. She loved the outdoors, flowers and animals-especially baby ones. As a couple they shared all these interests not only in Dutch Harbor but Anchorage & Seldovia, Alaska and also Bellingham, WA. They moved back to Phyllis’ home town of Waterville in 1985. They remodeled her grandparent’s house and resided there until her passing. Above all things, Phyllis was a beautiful, warm, caring and compassionate person who never judged others. She had an ability to always see the positive perspective and also had a wonderful sense of humor. The loss for her family is greater than mere words can express. There is now a hole in our hearts that only she could fill, and the only comfort we find is that we will see her again soon. She is in heaven now, in the presence of the Jesus she loved, no more disabilities or wheelchairs… She is finally free. She leaves behind her husband of 41 years, her daughter, Colleen (David) Earny, son, Bill (Kim) DeVaney, brother, Larry (Virginia) Schick, 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, her cousins Art & Ron Schick as well as 5 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Ernie. Memorial Service will be held at 2:30 on Sunday April 17, 2016 at the Federated Church in Waterville, WA. Donations can be made to Waterville Clinic or Waterville Ambulance. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Waterville Funeral Home.

Tributes

Phyllis Jo Devaney

May 23, 1943 - April 8, 2016