Phyllis H. (Smith) Budge

Phyllis Hazel Budge (Smith) Bay City, Michigan Phyllis Hazel (Smith) Budge, our beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully Monday morning June 25, 2012 at the Auburn Heights Senior Center, age 85. The daughter of the late Harold & Sarah (Barrett) Smith, she was born October 4, 1926 in Alma, MI. On August 28, 1948 Phyllis married Melvin "Mike" Budge and he survives her passing. Phyllis attended Alma College where she was a proud member of the Alma College Kiltie Band, the women's tennis team and the Kappa Iota Sorority. She taught elementary education for many years at Mt. Vernon School in Bangor Twp. and Our Lady of the Visitation Elementary School and finished her career as a preschool teacher. Phyllis was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was active in starting the Tons of Fun after school program. She was also a Mayflower descendant. Mrs. Budge is survived by her husband of 63 years, Melvin "Mike" Budge; their three children, Barbara (Steve) Johnston of Bloomfield Hills, Betsy (John) Pike of Auburn and Jeffrey (Dawn) Budge of West Branch; grandchildren, Carrie (Brad) Bescoe, Katie (Joe) Barber, Susie Johnston, Elizabeth Pike, Michael Budge and Laura Budge; two brothers, Tharold (Evelyn) Smith and Gary (Brenda) Smith; two brothers-in-law, William Budge and Rex Fuhrman; a sister-in-law, Eleanor Budge; and several nieces & nephews. Besides her parents, Mrs. Budge was also preceded in death by her sister, Uldene Fuhrman. The family of Mrs. Budge would like to express their thanks to the staff of Auburn Heights Senior Center and Heartland Hospice for their loving care and support. The funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday June 27, 2012 at First United Methodist Church, 300 N. Wenona St. Officiating will be Rev. Debbie Thomas with interment following at Elm Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Mrs. Budge will lie instate at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the D.A.V. www.gephartfuneralhome.com "We loved her well as she loved us. We thank her for the love and memories she has given us. God bless her and keep her in the palm of His hand."