Phyllis G. Fordt

Phyllis G. Fordt, age 85, of Richmond, passed away peacefully in her home, on July 27, 2023. She was born June 11, 1938 in Dearborn, Michigan to the late Henry and Doris Berkey. On October 17, 1959, Phyllis married Delbert Fordt in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Casco Twp. Phyllis worked for the State Farm Insurance Agency until her retirement and following retirement worked for other insurance agencies for a couple more years. She was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Casco Twp., where she taught Sunday School for over 30 years and also taught for Vacation Bible School. In 2000 Phyllis and Delbert moved to Onaway, Michigan to enjoy their retirement years that lie ahead. Phyllis embraced her new Christian community by starting a Sunday School at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Onaway, and later teaching Sunday School at Trinity Lutheran Church, Millersburg. Phyllis and Delbert were choir members at each church. Phyllis also worked in the food pantry, where she and three other ladies would prepare meals for the Home for Seniors once a month. Phyllis also worked on hundreds of quilts, with the ladies from Trinity Lutheran, in her garage for Lutheran World Relief. She would occasionally baby sit for friends and once or twice a week play golf with her friends. She also was a Red Hatter and volunteered to work at Fort Mackinac occasionally. In 2019, Phyllis and Delbert moved back down state to Richmond to be closer to family and enjoy her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Phyllis continued to make quilts and golf, but now she could also attend more family events. Golf with her great granddaughter, watch the grandchildren’s sporting events, make and share her famous apple cakes and strawberry jam and make sure each grandchild took a trip to Frankenmuth the day before school started. Phyllis enjoyed life and was always ready to help others, as maybe someday she would need help herself. Phyllis unselfishly gave of herself and her time and always had a special place in her heart for children. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and cherished grandmother and great grand-mother. Phyllis is survived by her husband of 63 years, Delbert Fordt; sons, Vincent (Patricia) Fordt and Scott (Collene); 7 grandchildren, Heather (Brian), Brent (Heather Jean), Shelby (Brett), Justain (Stacy), Ryan (Karie), Zachary (Dakota), Lucas (Breanna); 11 great grandchildren, Arianna, Kendall, Alexa, Brooklyn, Corbyn, Blakely, Garret, Riley, Henry, Harper and Elsie and siblings, Lyle and Janet. She was preceded in death by a son, Darrin and sister, Vicky. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Casco Twp. Interment will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Visiting hours are Tuesday 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Young Funeral Home, China Twp. and Wednesday 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at church prior to service. Memorials are suggested to St. Paul’s Cemetery Fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave a message of comfort visit www.youngcolonial.com

Phyllis G. Fordt

June 11, 1938 - July 27, 2023