Phyllis Ann Wiggins, 86, of Ventura, California, passed away on September 23, 2021, after a brief illness. Phyllis was born May 29, 1935 in Lancaster, PA to Joseph and Susan Hess. She graduated from Solanco High School in 1953. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Westchester State Teacher’s College and her Master’s degree from the University of Southern California. In 1956, she married her high school sweetheart, Earl Wiggins and in 1958, the couple moved to Fillmore, CA where they both joined the faculty of Fillmore High School. Phyllis taught for several years before leaving to raise her family. She carried many fond memories of her students and classes. In 1965, Phyllis and Earl moved to Ventura, CA where Earl had accepted a teaching position at Buena High School.
Phyllis dedicated her life to her Lord, her family, her church, and her friends. She loved doing things for and with her family, including bike rides, picnics, camping and more. Her warm smile could light up a room and her infectious laugh was catching. Ever a people-person, Phyllis enjoyed corresponding with friends and family near and far and keeping up on their activities. She taught Sunday School, was a leader in Bible Study Fellowship, led AWANA Clubs (biblical discipleship for children), and was involved in many other church activities through the years.
Phyllis and her husband, Earl, were great partners and together they operated several businesses together including the Horne Booke, a small, mail-order bookstore specializing in books for homeschooling families. In her later years, Phyllis and Earl enjoyed playing the roles of Grandma and Grandpa at Royal Family Kids Kamp and volunteering together at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. After Earl passed in 2007, she continued to enjoy volunteering, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and participating in her Bible study group. She was a woman of grace and wisdom, joy and laughter, who deeply loved her country.
In 2018, Phyllis moved to Cypress Place Senior Living (Ventura, CA) where she made new friends, enjoyed many activities, and lived out her last years. In her final moments, when her name was “called up yonder,” she peacefully joined her Lord surrounded by her family. The family is thankful for those who cared for her during this season of her life, including staff from Livingston CareGivers, her caregivers at Cypress Place, and the hospice team from Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Earl, and her granddaughter, Amy Joy Wiggins. Phyllis is survived by her six children: Phylene, Earla Griggs, Robert, Matthew, Joel, and Heather Reeves. She leaves 12 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 1 at BOYKO & REARDON TELEGRAPH ROAD MORTUARY & CREMATION, (15 Teloma Drive, Ventura). A private burial service will be held at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park. A public Celebration of Phyllis’ Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 2, at Ventura Missionary Church, (500 High Point Drive, Ventura). Due to the COVID pandemic, attendees are respectfully requested to wear masks. The service will also be live-streamed online www.YouTube.com/channel/UC6tqeL-U-H8HY8qjpEFO_2A/live
The family requests that donations be made to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library or Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association.
For those friends, family, and guests who would like to watch the Memorial Tribute Video Memorializing Phyllis' life please click here:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fumm4pfqtukdkvaaygp2v/Phyllis-Wiggins-Extra-Video.mp4?dl=0&oref=e&r=ABjih5giJccMz6ideB7Hb1Jpi1l5CnLpU7oV6XSkTPxxqXg8972INbpRhX9eytpbljcsWftoVB00_2G8EQjcWDpxjCxZaNs6Qs3MZ5Z76CrkvzfdslUns1hSUV1j8kQaWmeedOQfG01QEnRRRlCcIWuBRGX_-6JRxDSDjqZD3uwj2xBAEGuy3-UCTiIFc3-WG15VmuKsjOwBaKL-U9jlUGNt