Phyllis Crippen Obituary

Phyllis Crippen
Phyllis Marie Crippen, age 84, passed away peacefully at home on June 15, 2025, in Gibsonton, FL, surrounded by her devoted soulmate, Claude Gates, and her loving family.
Born on October 2, 1940, in Midland, MI, to Carl Hyatt and Letha Whittington, Phyllis was a true farm girl raised in Merrill, MI.
The values she learned growing up-hard work, resilience, generosity, and resourcefulness-defined the way she lived her life. She never wasted a thing and could make anything from scratch. She raised three children in Sanford, MI, and built a home grounded in love and strength.
Phyllis was a deeply involved grandmother who never missed an opportunity to show up with love, support, and pride.
She was the proud matriarch of her family-the one everyone turned to for love, guidance, and comfort. She was always thinking of others and was the first to offer a helping hand. Whether family, friend, or stranger, she greeted everyone with warmth and compassion.
She dedicated many years of her life to the hospitality industry and retired from the Sanford Eagles Post 3677, where she worked as a bartender. Her vibrant, friendly personality made her beloved by coworkers and customers alike.
Phyllis had a zest for life and loved camping, baking, crocheting, and traveling. She became a snowbird later in life, trading Michigan winters for the Florida sunshine before making Florida her permanent home. She adored laying in the sun, listening to country music, and flipping through her favorite magazines. Whenever she had the chance to go for a boat or motorcycle ride, her eyes would light up with joy. And if there was a dance floor nearby, you could bet she'd be on it-dancing brought her so much happiness.
Phyllis had an incredible memory and a sharp eye for detail. She often said she should've been a detective, and anyone who knew her agreed-she had a knack for putting the pieces together, remembering every birthday, and keeping tabs on all things family.
She was a beautiful woman, inside and out, with a vibrant soul and an infectious energy. She had countless friends and a magnetic presence that made everyone feel like they were part of something special. She was observant, social, kind, and full of life-a true force of nature.
Phyllis was first married to John Albert Crippen (1939-1997), and later to Clare S. Morrow (d. 2013). In her later years, she found a deep and abiding love with her soulmate, Claude Gates.
She is preceded in death by her son, John W. Crippen (1960-2021), and sisters Carolyn Toner and Mary Babcock.
Phyllis is survived by her children, Rick Crippen and Tina Evans (Scott); her grandchildren, Kristie Crippen, Shannon Bognot (Patrick), Michael Crippen (Tehya), Sean Evans (Tina), Chelsey Crippen, Richard Crippen Jr., and Kyle Evans (Lauren); and 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Lester Hyatt, and step-sisters, Ruth Woolard, Wanda Tessen, Grace Spann, and Jane Swanson.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 1st at 3 p.m. at Midland Memorial Gardens in Midland, MI.
Her legacy is one of love, laughter, strength, and generosity. As the heart and soul of her family, Phyllis leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a lasting imprint on everyone who had the honor of knowing her.