Phyllis Marie Bokhart

Phyllis Marie Bokhart, age 85, of Battle Creek went to be with her Lord & Savior on Monday afternoon, March 2, 2015 at the Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. She was born in Sherwood, Michigan, the loving daughter of Edward T. and Clara (Westendorf) Brigham.

Phyllis graduated from Union City High School with the Class of 1946. She furthered her education, graduating from Adrian College with a degree in Music Education and Western Michigan University with a Masters in Elementary Education.

Phyllis was a dedicated teacher at many different school districts throughout the years. From 1950-51, she served as Director of Band and Vocal Music at Pentwater Public Schools. From 1951-52, Phyllis served as Vocal Music Director in Hartford Public Schools. From 1952-53, she taught First Grade in Niles Public Schools. She took 9 years away from teaching during which time she gave private piano lessons. (She had taught private piano lessons at age 13.) Phyllis returned to elementary teaching in 1960, with the Battle Creek Public School System until 1965 when she went to Pennfield School System and taught in the elementary schools until 1986. The last 7 years was with the Enrichment Program for Elementary Reading and Mathematics.

Phyllis married the "Love of Her Life", Robert M. "Bob" Bokhart in Mishawaka, Indiana on June 16, 1951. She is survived by her husband of more than 63 years; her daughter, Barbara J. (Don) Steffee of Greenville, Michigan; her son, Richard A. "Bo" Bokhart of New Brunswick, Canada; and her grandchildren, Casey and Molly. Phyllis was sadly preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Doris Jean Jasper.

Phyllis was a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church, member of Choir for several years, member of Battle Creek Community Chorus, former president of Battle Creek Women's League, past-president of National Federation of Women's Clubs, past-president of Calhoun County Chapter of Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel, past-president of Battle Creek Symphony Guild, life-member of WMU Alumni, NEA,MEA, Calhoun County Chapter of Michigan Retired School Personnel, and past-president of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 7, 2015 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where funeral services to celebrate her life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday. Interment services will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 9, 2015 at the Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the First Presbyterian Church, Cereal City Lions Club or the MARSP Foundation. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.