Morgan Hill United Methodist Church Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at 2:00 P.M., reception following. Memorials in her honor will be appreciated to the Methodist Church or any of the organizations below.
After a full-filled life of 95 years, Phyllis Farris passed away peacefully.
Phyllis was born in Morgan Hill and lived her lifetime on El Toro Avenue. Her father was the founder of the Leonard Coates Nursery; her mother, Anne Coates, was a math and science teacher at Live Oak High School.
A 1936 Live Oak High School graduate, she attended San Jose State, then worked for Judge Harold Holden in the morning and Dr. Alison Cary in the afternoon in their shared office on Keystone Avenue.
She worked for the Santa Clara County Juvenile Probation Department as office manager at the Boys Ranch in Morgan Hill from 1954 until retirement in 1979.
In 1939, she joined the Morgan Hill Grange where she became acquainted with Dale M. Farris, whom she married on January 5, 1941, in the Morgan Hill Methodist Church. Their marriage lasted until his death in 1996. After their retirement, they enjoyed ma ny years of traveling with their dog around the United States.
She held offices in the Grange and served for many years at their monthly pancake breakfasts and the strawberry shortcake booth at the Santa Clara County Fair. In 1948, she joined the Order of the Eastern Star and continued a very active membership throughout her life. For many years she served the Morgan Hill Historical Society as a museum volunteer. At home: gardening, sewing clothes, knitting beautiful sweaters, crocheting blankets, and other crafts. Whenever a class reunion was coming up, she was the one to coordinate. She was active in the Methodist Church’s Catherine Stone Circle, Christmas Boutique, and quilting. Phyllis Farris… she just says “yes” to anyone needing help.
Phyllis, a kind, patient, and loving mother, leaves two daughters, Anita and Susan, a son, Ken, and daughter-in-law Donna, five grandsons, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. She was pre-deceased by her brother Alan Coates. She also leaves her sister-in-law Eunice Coates.
