Obituary of Phillis Jean McHone

Phillis Jean Radford was born on May 7, 1946 in Johnson City, Tennessee.   She was one of six children born from the union of the late Herbert Radford and the late Viola (Clark) Radford.   She attended Jefferson Schools graduating from high school with the Class of 1964.

Phillis was blessed with three sons:  Bryan and twins William and Phillip.   A hardworking and devoted mother she took employment with Ford Motor Company at the Monroe Plant.   When she was hired she was with the first group of women to ever be hired at that plant.   Phillis would spend nearly twenty years employed at Ford before taking a medical retirement in 1996.   She was a proud member of United Auto Workers Local 723.  

Phillis was a simple woman and she enjoyed her simple life.   A talented, self-taught artist, she enjoyed painting beautiful landscapes and portraits.   Described by her family as quite stubborn, Phillis was set in her ways, and didn’t care to be told what to do, but when it came to family she loved her children and grandchildren whole-heartedly.   She loved Classic Rock often listening to the likes of Paul McCartney, The Beatles, and Kiss to name a few.   She was also a devoted baseball fan cheering on her Tigers through thick and thin.   For many years she enjoyed sewing, until her poor health did not allow it any longer.   Although she didn’t cook much, Phillis loved watching cooking shows on television.

Phillis Jean McHone, age 71, of Newport passed away at 3:45am on Saturday, July 29, 2017.   In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by two brothers: infant, Ronny Radford and Jerry Radford.

To cherish her memory, Phillis leaves three sons:  Bryan (Marce) McHone of Frenchtown, William McHone of Woodhaven, and Phillip McHone of Chicago, Illinois; two sisters: Anna (Thomas) Liedel of Frenchtown and Diana (David) Newton of Toledo; a brother: Kenneth (Connie) Radford of Frenchtown; and five beloved grandchildren:  William, Samantha, Kyle, Storm, and Chelsea.

Friends may gather from 4:00pm-8:00pm on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185.   A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 11:00am on Wednesday, August 2 also at Merkle’s.   Procession will follow to Roselawn for burial.

Memorial donations are suggested to Meals on Wheels. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, send a floral arrangement, or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com