Phyllis Ann Wesche

Phyllis Ann Wesche was born on January 26, 1942, and passed away on July 12, 2023. There are few things as precious as a mother/grandmother. A gigantic void has been left with the passing of Phyllis.

She leaves behind three children, Jeffrey Larsen, Kevin Larsen, and Janine Larsen; three grandchildren, Mike Garwood (deceased), Jennifer Griffin and Crystal Larsen; and nine great-grandchildren, Kevin Larsen, Willy Larsen, Libby Griffin, James Garwood, Lucas Garwood, Taylon Garwood, Raiden Garwood, Alyson Garwood, and Emily Maxwell. She is also survived by her husband, LeRoy Wesche; her fur baby, Mitzy, the miniature dachshund; and countless friends and acquaintances.

Phyllis was not somebody who had a big showy personality. The truth is that she was introverted, shy, and quiet. She hated having attention drawn in her direction. However, a warmth, grace, and elegance emanated from her that drew people in. It was her compassion that would make you feel immediately and a natural empathy that allowed people to confide in her. When you had her all to yourself in a quiet setting, she held you in a cocoon of warmth and love. She was a complete natural at being a mother and a grandmother. She had an expansive maternal energy that was boundless, tenacious, and tender. She never judged or shunned. She was absolutely dedicated to acceptance, fairness, and understanding. She genuinely loved to hear your story and she lived to share in that deep way. Everyone always felt “seen” and left her presence with a sense that you belonged, and you were important. She inherited these gifts from her mother, Louise Blake.

Phyllis was also a gifted artist. It was evident in her cooking, crafting, sewing, dancing and most notably with her wood carving. Leroy took up wood carving the day after he retired from his profession of being a plumber. Phyllis also took up carving and they both became very accomplished. Leroy started to teach wood carving with Phyllis assisting and guiding the students occasionally. They traveled the state and took advanced workshops, adjudicated wood carving contests, and the both of them wracked up a slew of awards for their craftsmanship. The two of them have fostered an amazing community of wood carvers over the last 30 years. The family is so immensely proud of the two of them for the work they put in and also the community they created. This shared space of passion and creativity has given so many people happiness.

Her dancing also brought her so much joy. She was an accomplished square dancer, clogger, round dancer, and various ballroom styles of dance. Always dressed as pretty as the most enticing confection, her elegance turned heads, and to watch her dance you knew she was soaring. For a time, she owned a square dance apparel shop called A bar W Square Dance Apparel, where she helped both men and women refine their dance clothes. She nurtured the best out of everyone in this realm as well. She was always doing her best to make things special. Whether it was your birthday or an outdoor barbecue, she lent her sweet touch to everything. She was always there to guide, to share, to laugh, and to make everything beautiful. I think that the whole family and all of her friends would agree that she was the gently beating heart at the center of most any situation she found herself in. She was a sounding board to all of her loved ones. A confidant who would listen and help you sort out all the ups and downs of life. It is astounding how such a quiet and gentle soul can leave behind such a deafening silence. The void is immeasurable. As the family tries to figure out how to be in this world without her, they will embody all that she taught them.

Her kindness, acceptance, and warmth are exactly what the family shall hold near and dear and try to continue to perpetuate in the world. Her family and friends will miss her all the rest of their days, but she will also guide them just as she has always done. I love you my dear sweet mother. Your son, Jeff