Phillis F. Geesey (Yonce)

Longtime Missoula resident Phyllis F. (Yonce) Geesey passed away of natural causes at her home Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at the age of 86.

Phyllis was born in Columbus on March 2, 1928, to John and Mayme (Pratton) Yonce. She moved to Missoula after the second grade. After six years at Willard, Phyllis graduated from Missoula County High School at the present-day Hellgate High School. While in high school, Phyllis worked at the Wilma Theater. After graduation, she became a switchboard operator at first the Palace Hotel and then the Mountain Bell Telephone Company, before marrying George Geesey in 1947. She was a housewife and raised her three children before going to work at 2J's Produce in Missoula.

Phyllis and George were members of the Telephone Pioneers and Orchard Home Country Life Club, and they enjoyed square dancing and traveling. She was a great cook and baker, and a number of family members (we won't mention their names) would gorge themselves on her wonderful pies. Another of her specialties was her famous dinner rolls, a family favorite, which is being carried on by her daughter.

Phyllis is survived by her three children, Sharyn Skyles of Missoula, Larry Geesey of Phoenix, and Bonnie (Tom) Donovan of Great Falls; brothers Lloyd (Mae) Yonce of Chapel Hill, N.C., and David (Aylene) Yonce of Lilliwaup, Wash. She was blessed with two granddaughters, Shawn Heichel of Iowa and Dawn Dee Skyles-Elmer of Iowa; a step-grandson, Troy (Amy) Donovan of Missoula; five great-grandchildren, Rachelle, Bradlee, Tayler, Tanner and Angelyna; step-great-grandchildren Cade and Kathryn Donovan; along with many nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, George; sister Charlotte (Yonce) Kirkham; and brother Jack Yonce.

At her request, no funeral services will be held. Arrangements are being handled by Garden City Funeral Home of Missoula
Read Phillis Geesey's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.