Phyllis Nadine Brock

            Phyllis Nadine Brock, age 89, of Munising, died peacefully with her loving family by her side on Monday, April 8, 2024 in Panama City, Florida.  She was born on March 16, 1935 in Yuma, Arizona to James “Bud” and Daisy Ashton.  Bud’s work took the family to many cities and states across the country while she was growing up.   While visiting her sister out east, Phyllis met Charles Robert Chemis.  They were married on October 29, 1954.  The family was stationed in Hawaii and Phyllis was raising their three daughters and son while Charles served in Vietnam.  He was killed in a helicopter accident on October 19, 1965.   Phyllis and her young children moved to California to be closer to her family.   She worked for the Federal Civil Service and worked as an operator and Water Safety Instructor for the Marine Corps.    A fellow operator set Phyllis up on a blind date with Arland Brock.  He saw she had a smile that could light up a room and the rest was history.  They were married three months later on January 28, 1967.   Their family grew with two more sons and returned to Arland’s hometown of Munising in 1970.  Phyllis continued to work for the government at K.I. Sawyer Air Force base and retired as a material maintenance supervisor.    Phyllis and Arland spent all their time together after retirement. They were snowbirds in Panama City Beach, Florida for twenty-three years.  

            Phyllis loved her husband, kids, grandkids, great-grandkids and grand dogs.  Family was everything to her.  She also loved her friends and animals – especially her little Nikki dog.  No one was a stranger to Phyllis, and she left a little of herself in each and every person who had the opportunity to meet her.   She always shared her stories and will be remembered for sharing her wisdom.   Phyllis had eyes that sparkled like crystals to let the world know what a “jewel” she really was.  She loved to talk and always had the most beautiful smile and laugh.   Her Pepsi and expensive chocolates were always a part of her daily ritual.  Phyllis loved flowers (and daisies were her favorite) and she loved to read books.   Traveling and visiting people were a part of her favorite pastimes.   She loved watching her kids and grandkids play sports and she rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on.   Phyllis was a huge Detroit Tigers fan.  For her eightieth birthday, she and her family traveled to watch a game.  Not only did the Tigers win, but the organization sent her home with a tote bag full of Tigers gear.  She treasured that day in her memories.  Phyllis was a supporter and advocate for the Alger County Veterans Golf Tournament.  She loved working the event.  

            Phyllis loved God and her church and was able to see Jesus and let Him take her home.  She was a truly special lady who will be missed daily by everyone who ever met her.  Those who loved her were blessed to have her in their lives for eighty-nine years. 

            She is survived by her husband of fifty-seven years – Arland Brock of Munising; children – Frankie (Greg) Kurvers of Burnsville, Minnesota, Chuck (Julie) Chemis of Issaquah, Washington, Stevie (Steve) Ruda of Lakeview, Oregon, Toni (Mike) Denman of Munising, Michigan and Jim (Kim) Brock of Virginia Beach, Virginia; fifteen grandchildren – Danielle, Brendan, Joey, Danny, Charlie, Andy, Katie, Jamie, Rebecca, Lee, Amanda, Kayla, Dakota, Andrew, and Jared; and numerous great-grandchildren.    Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, son Bill Brock, grandson Bryan Kurvers, and sister Mona Lee Miller. 

            A celebration of life gathering will be held at the Brock family home on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.  The times will be updated as the service approaches.