Phyllis “Phyl” Zappa, 81, of Laramie, died Tuesday, December 20, 2016 after a long exhausting battle with COPD.
Phyllis Whiting was born January 29, 1935 in Birnamwood, Wisconsin. She married Albert “Bud” Zappa in Cumberland, Wisconsin on June 19, 1954. There they farmed and worked many jobs while also taking in several foster children. Eventually they bought the Comstock Bar, where they remained until the whole family moved to Laramie in 1979. Here Phyl most notably worked many years as Administrative Assistant at bothe Cathedral Home for Children and then Southeast Wyoming Mental Health Center.
Phyl is survived by her husband, Bud; children, Sue, Rick, Gary (Darcy) and Cindy (Gene Olson); grandchildren, Josh and Sara; step grandchildren, Dustin and Scott; great grandchildren Charli and Tyler and numerous “honorary” grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters, Kathy, Helen “Mickey” (Ken), Rachel and Sharon; brothers Lyle (Fern), Raymond (Sherry), Johnny (Diane) and an extensive list of other family and friends. She became instant friends with, and was cherished by, everyone she met.
She was preceded in death by three babies: her mother, Grace (John) Stasko and father, Herbert Whiting, sisters, Joyce (Verlyn), Louella (Ken); and brother, Myron (Beth).
Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church.
Funeral Liturgy will follow at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church with the Reverend Fr. James Schumacher, celebrant.
Memorial contributions may be made in Phyllis Zappa’s name to the St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church Beautification Fund, 617 S. 4th St. Laramie, WY 82070.
To the Zappa Family. We all loved Phyl dearly and will miss her deeply. She always wore that sweet smile on her face. We are so thankful for spending two memorable days with Phyllis, Bud, Rick & Gary this past fall. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with all of you. In deepest sympathy, Dan and Joy Ricci
Bud - I am so sorry you lost your Phyl. She was one of the nicest people I knew. My heart goes out to you and your family. Thinking of you - Charlene Moree
Gary so sorry to hear about your Mom.
You will be missed so very much but for ever in our hearts.... I m sending my condolences and best wishes and prayers to you and yours cousin Rick.
From the Craig Lehmann family to yours, we send our condolences and thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Thank you for all love and amazing memories that we all have shared together. No one has ever put on a better spaghetti feed Phyllis, that will be sadly missed too.
Rick and family, so very sorry for your loss. You are not alone, The lord's promise is to never leave us or forsake us, and The Holy Spirit know's your sorrow. You will see her again, and now she is healed and free from all pain & suffering. May the peace and strength of The Holy Spirit be to all of the family and as time goes by your loss be replaced with the joyous memories.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. May your wonderful memories of Phyllis comfort you all.
Phyl may God forgive me in being so selfish in wanting you back here with us as I know he is now holding you in his loving arms and you are no longer suffering.But I miss you.I look at the picture's of your beautiful face with that beautiful smile of yours that could also be heard in your voice and my heart breaks with missing you my friend.I love you Phyl you have always been in my heart and always will be.
There is a beautiful hymn on youtube for all of you (Do Not Let Your Hearts be Troubled/David Haas). We will keep you in our prayers. Love, Joan and Billy.
Dear Bud and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you are able to find peace at such a difficult time.
My dear friend I miss you I look at your beautiful pictures and your beautiful smile a smile that you shared so freely a smile that could be heard even in your voice.You gave of yourself to others without expecting anything from them in return.I know that I am being selfish with wanting you back here with us knowing that you are in the loving arms of our Father in heaven and are at peace but it is so hard to let you go.You have been such a big part of my life..I feel lost I know all the family does right now.Phyl you have always been in my heart and you always will be.I love you.
(borrowed loosely from the song "No Charge" by Shirley Caesar) For the nine months you carried me, holding me close to your heart… no charge. For the nights you sat up with me, doctored me and prayed for me… no charge. For the time and the tears, there was no charge. For the knowledge and advice… never any charge. When you add it all up, the full cost of your love came to no charge. You gave it abundantly and freely. I love you and I miss you mom. Love Rick
Rick this is so special love you all
We all love you Rick
Bud and Family ~ All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. What great neighbors you were to us. You treated us like family. Phyllis was a very giving and kind person, she will be greatly missed.
(from the song by Shirley Caesar) For the nine months I carried you, holding you inside me... no charge For the nights I sat up with and doctored you and prayed for you... no charge For the time and tears. There is no charge. For the advice and the knowledge. Of course, no charge. When you add it all up the full cost of my love is no charge. There was never any charge for mom's love. I love you mom and I miss you. Rick
Gary and Family, you have our thoughts and prayers!!!!!!!!!! Ron & Carmia
Uncle Bud, Sue, Rick, and Cindy. So sorry to hear about Aunt Phyllis, but now her suffering is over...She is with the Lord now receiving the Love and care she has shown so many over the years...May God bless and keep you all safe...We'll keep you all in our prayers...Dennis and Char Hale
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. "Grandma" Phyllis was always smiling whenever we saw her. She will be missed. Nick, Nicole and Tami
Dear Bud, Sue, Cindy, Rick and Gary...... So sorry for your loss. Phyllis was a wonderful woman who touched my heart. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love Diana Meyer
Heartfelt condolences to your family's from the Jensen's.
Yes I remember going to her house to visit with my mother and father Charles whiting and Stella Whiting, she always made us feel so welcome big loving heart I know for sure she is in heaven with all of our past family loved ones I look forward to seeing her in heaven when Jesus calls me home
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dave & Kathy Chilton
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dave & Kathy Chilton
So sad. really will miss her. She left so many memories, and a very deep hole in my heart. my prayers and thoughts are with all of you ...her family.. even death can't take the memories, Love Mickey Helen, Miller Piskura. love you all
Thank you for your love. It was always there to comfort and cheer us all. We will always remember. We love you too!
Uncle Bud, Susie, Ricky, Gary, Cindy and family, We were so happy we were able to come and spent time this past summer with Auntie Phyllis and all of you. It was awesome remember past memories and laughing over all the crazy things we have done since. We will miss Auntie Phyllis kind words, loving smile and warm heart that she opened to all who knew her. We know she is in a far better place free of pain and enjoying her new journey with the rest of her family, friends, and waiting for the day we will all be joined together in eternal peace. Kasey wanted me to say how much Auntie Phyllis made he feel special when she came. She will always remember her. Uncle Bud, Susie, Ricky, Gary and Cindy and family, we know this is hard on all of you, but Aunt Phyllis will always be close and never far from your heart. Love you all so very much, Jim, Judy, and family.
Bonnie. we remember too! And always will! We love you too!
Yes, there are so many good memories. We will always hold them close. We love you too.
My mother and my friend: You taught me so many things and for that I will be eternally grateful. But what you forgot was how to fill the part of me that was you. It will take more than a lifetime to fill the hole. I will love you and miss you forever. Cindy
Uncle Bud, Rick, Sue, Gary, Cindy.... my deepest condolences and prayers for you at this difficult time. Some of my fondest memories growing up are the times we spent with all of you; snowmobiling, cards, campouts. I also remember Antie Phyl's kindness, smile and laugh! She will be missed by many and I will always remember her with a smile! I love you all. Bonnie Aeling (Hudella)
Uncle Bud, Sue, Rick, Gary, Cindy.... my deepest condolences and prayers for you. Some of my fondest memories are the times we spent with all of you growing up; snowmobiling, cards, campouts. I also remember Antie Phyl's kindness, smile and laugh! She will be missed by many. Thinking of you during this difficult time and I love you all. Bonnie Aeling (Hudella)
Oh Bonnie, we remember well! and always will. We love you too!