Phyllis Ann Haning, born Phyllis Ann Bloomer, came into this world on Dec. 28, 1931, in Flint, Mich., to Bement T. and Elfie Dobbs Bloomer. She passed into eternal life on Sept. 15, 2012.
On June 12, 1954, Phyllis married Ollie Ronald “Rock” Haning in Flint, Mich. She lived in Flint, Cleveland, Ohio, and after marrying, Albuquerque, N.M. before moving with her family to Pagosa Springs in 1966.
She attended Fort Lewis College, just for fun, studying music, film and physical education. She was an excellent swimmer. Her favorite hobby and profession was landscaping. She held many jobs, but said her most memorable ones were working for her father at the candy counters in most of Flint’s movie theaters and being a night watchman at San Juan Lumber Mill in Pagosa.
Phyllis was a member of Nelle’s Service Club, Pagosa Rebekah Lodge, Eastern Star, Mountain View Homemakers and United Methodist Women. She volunteered wherever she could, including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and 4-H, and she participated in many mission projects of Community United Methodist Church. She enjoyed following her children and grandchildren in sports and became quite a fan of cross country and wrestling.
Phyllis was baptized in a Methodist Episcopal Church and, though she sang in the choir of other denominations, she became a United Methodist. She had a strong, but quiet faith. She relied on prayer and when times were tough she always reminded her family to “say little prayers.”
She is survived by her children Gene Haning, Barbara Haning Martinez and Stephen Haning, son in-law Jody Martinez and daughter in-law Cinnamon Hobbs, all of Pagosa Springs; her grandchildren Ryan Martinez, Daniel Martinez, Joetta (Martinez) Osborn, Michael Martinez and Sterling Haning; her great-grandchildren Nicholas and Hunter Martinez, Kendra and Sage Martinez, and Stetson and Chase Osborn. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and brothers Royce and Al Bloomer.
Phyllis’ summary of her life was, “I tried to be a good person; sometimes things got a little nuts … but that’s just me.”
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, in Community United Methodist Church, followed by burial in Hilltop Cemetery and a reception lunch back at the church. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the American Cancer Society via Cory at Community United Methodist Church.
