Obituary of Phyllis Madeline Smock

Phyllis Madeline Calkins was born on June 2, 1920 in Monroe, Michigan. She was born from the late Edgar R and the late Georgiana (St. Pierre) Calkins. Phyllis attended Monroe High School and received her spiritual nourishment through St. Michael the Archangel Church.

Phyllis married the love of her life Ralph Smock on January 29, 1943 in Colorado Springs. From this union came the birth of six children. Phyllis cared deeply for her family, working from home to care for them. In World War II, she worked in a factory making ammunition for the men at war. She was quite crafty, enjoying oil painting, wood crafting and crocheting. She was a past member of the auxiliary at St. John’s Altar Society and a past member of Comboni Auxiliary.

Spending time with family meant the most to Phyllis. She hosted game nights and most of the family gatherings throughout the years in her home. Phyllis did not let her age stop her. At age eighty she was riding snowmobiles and four-wheelers and at age eighty-nine she went on her first helicopter ride. She continued to drive through her ninety-fifth year.

Phyllis Madeline Smock, age 97 of Monroe passed away at 4:44pm on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at ProMedica Monroe Skilled Nursing and Rehab. In addition to her parents and beloved husband of forty-seven years: Ralph; she was preceded in death by her son: Dennis Smock; and all of her siblings.

To cherish her memory, she leaves five children: Sharon Marie Dykes of Monroe, Susan (Jon “Michael” Sr.) Shively of Northport, Gary Smock of Florida, Maryann Duvall of Monroe and Martin (Carol) Smock of Maybee; seventeen grandchildren, twenty-six great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Friends may gather on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 from 2:00pm until a Rosary Service at 7:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185.   The Prayers of Divine Mercy will be shared at 3:00pm also at Merkle’s. She will lie in state on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 from 10:00am until A Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 502 West Front Street with Father Stephen Rooney officiating. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe for entombment.

Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration, share a photo or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com.