Phyllis Marie (Matthews) Ott

Mrs. Phyllis Marie (Matthews) Ott, formerly of Listowel, passed away peacefully with the love of her family surrounding her at Huronlea Nursing Home, Brussels on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015. She was in her 95th year.
Left to mourn her passing most deeply are her children, Marj and Jim Moore, Barrie; Bob and Pat Ott, Milton and Bonnie and Mark, Gropp, Brussels. She was the loving grandmother of Brad and Karey Moore,  Scott and Laurie Moore, Matthew and Amanda Ott, Andrew Ott and his partner Angie Castelli, Jason and Lisa Gropp, Nicki and Francois Risdon, Ashley and Dylan Flach and Joshua Gropp and his partner Melanie Goodger. Phyl was also the proud great-grandmother of 15.
She will be missed by her sister-in-law Arnetta Southern, as well as her new family at Huronlea, especially Millie Allen.
Besides her parents she was predeceased by her beloved Edgar (2014) and her sister Beatrice Ott (2015).
The younger daughter of Isaac and Viola (Horne) Matthews, Phyl was born in Wallace  Township, just north of Listowel on December 29, 1920. The work ethic she adopted with such grace and charm her entire life was instilled in her as a child. At the age of 10 she was already serving as her dad’s right-hand man” on the family farm and later worked as a babysitter and housekeeper in-town families during the winter months.
It was at a country celebration, where she met the love of her life. He asked her to dance and the love affair that lasted more than 70 years began.
Edgar and Phyl were married on Dec. 30, 1943 and began their life together in Wallace. They later moved to Listowel, where Phyl helped to support Edgar as he built his own business. Her love of fashion and knitting served her well during these times. She worked in retail for many years, including as manager of the women’s clothing stores, Virginia Dare and Business Girl, and later as a sales associate at the Spinrite Yarns Outlet. It was the perfect career fit for a woman who was always ready with a smile and conversation. Her warmth and outgoing personality gained her many friends in business as well as in her personal life.
But when you asked her, it was the time that she opened her home to boarders that was her happiest. There was nothing that Phyl loved more than baking and in those days the house was always fragrant with fresh-baked pies and breads. She was a fantastic cook and took great pride in laying out a feast for those gathered around her table.
After retirement, Phyl and Edgar spent the summers at the trailer in Port Elgin, enjoying the company of new friends. There Phyl continued to share her skills as a baker and knitter. Many stopped by for lessons, or to purchase one of her afghans or sweaters.
Music was always with her, whether singing along with her favourite country songs, or as a member of a choral group.  She was a charter member of Mapletone Sweet Adelines and remained so through the organization’s  existence.
She and Edgar were also dedicated parishioners at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Phyl was a very active member of the church’s women’s group.
 Visitation was held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel on Tuesday. The funeral service was held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Listowel on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Interment was in Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.
Pallbearers were Phyl’s grandsons, while her two granddaughters carried floral tributes.
Memorial donations to St. Paul's Lutheran Church would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca