Phyllis Prior

Phyllis Marie Prior, age 89, of Middleville, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 27, 2023. She was born March 13, 1933, in Denver, Colorado, to the late Carl and Elizabeth (King) Woertman. Phyllis graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School with the class of 1951. Married John Prior in 1954 and moved to Michigan. She spent most of her working years with the Pontiac Public School System in multiple areas. Phyllis thoroughly enjoyed spending time cultivating her flower gardens, attending special activities with her church family, and playing endless games with her grandchildren. She always carried herself with a gentle and sweet charisma. Survivors include her three children: Catherine (Roger) Shaff, Thomas Prior, and Mary Mahler; eight grandchildren: Jeffery (Ivy) Prior, Megan Shaff, Justin (Sara) Shaff, David (Amanda) Williams, Karl Williams, Cory Mahler, Anjela Wyman, and Michael Prior; multiple great-grandchildren; and sister Mary Ann (Denny) Benda. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Robert "Mike" Prior; and siblings, Richard Woertman, Donald Woertman, Lois Greenrod (Woertman), and Walter Woertman. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 10, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9669 Kraft Ave SE, Caledonia, MI. Per Phyllis' wishes cremation has taken place and her remains will be buried at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Caledonia. The family would like to express sincere thanks to SKLD of Wyoming, Kindred Hospice, and Spectrum Hospice for their attentive care over the past 18 months. In lieu of flowers donations may be given to your favorite charity in her honor, or directed to Holy Family Catholic Church of Caledonia, MI. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Phyllis Prior, please visit our flower store.