Phyllis Schlee

Phyllis Schlee, cherished wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great friend, passed peacefully August 21, 2021.

Phyllis was born in Muskegon, MI, and grew up in Fruitport, MI.  A beautiful baby, she was a happy loving child who excelled in school.

After marrying Roger Bowen, she ran their household and raised their four children, perfecting her famous cooking along the way.

She began her work at the Oceana County Building in 1974 and later she found her calling when she campaigned for, and won, her position as Oceana County Clerk in 1989.  Having earned the trust of voters, she held office until her retirement.  The countless people who had the good fortune to pass through the County Clerk’s office were treated to her warmth, quick mind, determination, and integrity.  Nobody checked and double-checked like Phyllis Schlee.

Phyllis gave generously of her time volunteering for The American Cancer Society and the Red Hats Society, where she found comfort and community.

Phyllis lit up every room she entered.  Known to her family and friends as “Fifi”, she filled people with joy, and if they were lucky, she filled them with her wonderful cooking.

We’ll miss the cooking, and the bright Christmases, and all the other trimmings that made Phyllis Phyllis.

But we will always have the joy.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Brian Bowen, Lisa (Bruce) Snider, Laurie (James) Newell, and Nanette Bowen (and husband, Jon Snider), her former husband, Roger Bowen, and her brother, Cecil Kenter; 12 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and a nephew.  She was preceded in death by her mother Donna Yeoman, and her husband Dale Schlee.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 25, 5-7 p.m.  Funeral Services will be Thursday, August 26, at 11 a.m. Both will be held at Harris Funeral Home in Shelby.   Memorials to Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Avenue, Suite 400, Muskegon, MI  49441 are appreciated.

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