Phyllis Freeman
Phyllis Freeman passed away peacefully at home with family. Phyllis was born in Portland, OR to Alfred and Annetta Craft. They eventually settled in Stockton, CA, where she was raised with her two sisters, Lois and Marge.
Phyllis met her first love, Jerry Self, and they were married in 1953. She and Jerry had three children, Steve, Eric, and Sandy. Unfortunately, Eric passed away in infancy. Phyllis and Jerry separated and divorced in 1965.
Phyllis worked as a full charge Bookkeeper in Stockton for Braley's Body shop, and in 1968 she won "Best Dressed Woman in San Joaquin County".
In 1969, she met her second and last love, Bill Freeman. They married in 1970 and moved to Gardnerville, NV. With Bill's two children, Mitchell and Peggy, they had a family of six. Bill and Phyllis raised their children together in Gardnerville until 1978 when they moved to Reno and Bill took his first job in Saudi Arabia.
During their time in Gardnerville, Phyllis worked for the Douglas County Auditor-Recorder. She had her first experience in Politics when she ran for that office. She didn't win, but it was a great experience for her. She ultimately worked for the State of Nevada in the Division of Forestry, Housing and the Crime Commission as a Senior Accountant.
Phyllis retired in 1981, when she moved to Saudi Arabia, as Bill had taken a job with Aramco and was working in the oil business there. Phyllis enjoyed her many friends in Rastanura, Saudi Arabia. They played golf, Bridge and enjoyed a very active social life.
Phyllis and Bill traveled extensively during this time to Greece, Malaysia, Thailand, Egypt, Portugal, England, Scotland, Holland, Africa, Hong Kong, as well as, throughout the United States. Wherever they went they had friends and fun.
Bill retired from Aramco in 1991, when the first Gulf War broke out. Phyllis had the exciting experience of being evacuated due to the War. When she and Bill returned to Reno, they decided to join the Hidden Valley Country Club, where they enjoyed their friends and a lot of golf. Bill and Phyllis designed and built their home on the 7th fairway. Their grandchildren have many fond memories of playing Junior Golf and enjoying the swimming pool during their years there.
And, most of all she enjoyed her grandchildren. While they were young, she would host Grandma's Day Camp for a week every summer. Every day she had an activity planned; whether the movies, the beach, or the pool. Her grandchildren will never forget their trip rafting down the Truckee River or the trip to Truckee on the train. Of course every holiday was made special as well, a limousine ride to Santa brunch at Hidden Valley, and a sleep over party for the new millennium with Y2k supplies "just in case" are memories they will never forget. The Thanksgiving tradition of a Christmas ornament every year to start their own collection will always be a treasure.
Phyllis enjoyed entertaining and preparing gourmet meals for friends and family. Her parties are well remembered and appreciated for all their attention to detail. From the theme and décor, to food and fun activity, every holiday and party was a very special occasion.
Eventually, Phyllis and Bill moved to their last home together in the gated community of Toscana. Bill passed in 2005, and has been missed; however, Phyllis continued to be active with friends playing Bridge and enjoying her family.
Phyllis is survived by her children, Steve and Sandy; and Bill's children, Mitchell and Peggy. Steve's family includes wife Irene, and children Josh, Stephanie and Rachel. Sandy's family includes son Zach and daughter Jordan. Mitchell's family includes wife Kellie, and children Renee and Brandon. Peggy's family includes daughter Aiesha. Phyllis requested that we not have a funeral or memorial for her, but instead to celebrate her life, and have a party. Our family will be hosting a party in her home on November 15 for friends and family.