Date of Service:
December 23, 2021
Date of Viewing:
December 22, 2021
Date of Interment:
December 23, 2021
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Phyllis Elaine Stuart entered this world on October 12, 1949. Born to Phillip Lyle and Merva Elva (Wiyninger) of Kansas City, Kansas, she was the first of seven siblings. According to all who knew her, she was born to be a mother, taking care of her younger sisters and brother from the time she could walk and talk. She was responsible and mature beyond her years, working since the age of twelve and driving at fourteen.
In 1969, a good friend convinced her to go on a blind date. At the last minute, the guy couldn’t attend, so he sent his brother in his place. It was during that blind date to a drive-in theatre that Phyllis found the love of her lifetime in John Michael (Mike) Ohler. The two were immediately inseparable; they married the following March.
Phyllis and Mike moved to Vero Beach, Florida in 1974. There, they raised five children, Michele Renee (Michael Brillhart), Cheri Lea (Paul Estevez), John Michael, Jr. (Joy), Matthew Wayne, and Michael Wayne Stuart-Ohler. Throughout those years, Phyllis ran a daycare in her home, she taught Sunday School at Tabernacle Ministries, and later taught pre-kindergarten and elementary at Tabernacle Christian School. She also enjoyed many years of teaching at Maitland Farm Preschool. Teaching was a natural gift for Phyllis. She nurtured hundreds of young students, often being their first and most beloved teacher.
One of the greatest joys in her life was being a grandmother to her twenty-two grandchildren (list follows). She treasured every minute she spent with her “grandbabies” and never missed an opportunity to support their life accomplishments and give them more love and hugs than they could hold.
When Mike suffered from severe health issues, it was Phyllis who cared tirelessly for him. She never left his side, enduring months at a time in hospitals and attending to his needs around the clock. Mike and Phyllis celebrated forty-one years of marriage before his passing.
In the twilight of her life, road trips to visit family, especially siblings and grandchildren, dominated her summers. She continued teaching until she became unable, due to failing health. At that time, she dedicated herself to pursuing the very best medical treatments; she was determined to live as long as possible.
Over the next two-and-half years, Phyllis cherished phone calls from her family and friends. Although the pandemic restricted visitors, she never missed a chance to talk to those she loved.
Phyllis departed this life on December 17, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Michael Ohler, Sr. and granddaughter Landi Elaine Ohler.
Above all, Phyllis was a woman of unshakable faith. Her love for God was experienced by all who knew her. A forty-six-year member of Tabernacle Ministries, she served her church and her Savior with her whole heart.
A Visitation will be held on December 22, 2021 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960. A Funeral Service will be held on December 23, 2021 at 11:00am at Tabernacle Ministries, 51 Old Dixie Hwy, Vero Beach, FL 32962.
In memory of Phyllis’s love for children and education, contributions may be made to Tabernacle Christian School Scholarship Fund, Tabernacle Ministries, 51 Old Dixie Hwy, Vero Beach, FL 32962.
Siblings:
Wanda (Ryland) Cozad, Diana Pierce, Cheryl (David) Becker, Terry (Terrance) Mayhew, Phillip (Tammy) Stuart, Annette (Karl) Barnes
Grandchildren:
Mark Sheldon Ohler, Madigan Knight, Madison Ohler, Olivia Ohler, Ethan Estevez, Jacob Brillhart, John-Michael Ohler, Abigail Estevez, Jackson Brilhart, Cole Estevez, Hamilton Ohler, Jonathan Brillhart, Abram Ohler, Luke Estevez, Cassidi Brillhart, Gideon Ohler, Vivian Ohler, Georgia Ohler, Calvin Ohler, Emma-Rose Ohler, Saffron Ohler.
Scripture:
John 11:25-27KJV
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
Access the link below for a Memorial Video:
https://clipchamp.com/watch/qIphSi3ItOY
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Cheryl Blackburn - Sister-in-law
December 21, 2021, 1:17 am
We were all so sorry to hear about your mom passing. She has been our sister for over 50 years. We have had lots of great memories through the years. Even though we didn’t get to see each other often we really enjoyed our times together when we did. Phone conversations kept us close. Love you all
Cheryl Blackburn - Sister-in-law
December 21, 2021, 1:25 am
I will miss your mom greatly. We have been sisters for over 50 years. Even though we weren’t able to spend a lot of time together in person, the phone kept us close. She was always so kind and looked for the good in everyone. Like your dad she always put everyone else ahead of herself. We all have to just remember all the good times and good memories we have shared-Love to you all
Bonnie Coats - Coworker
December 21, 2021, 3:09 pm
Thinking of you and your family at this mournful time but wishing you many fond memories of all that she shared with others and brought into this their world.
Christine Pokorney - Friend/Partner
December 21, 2021, 4:17 pm
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Phyllis was clearly a beautiful woman inside and out. She is healed in heaven, may she rest in peace. May the happy memories of her comfort you all going forward.
Gary and Reba Ohler - Brother and Sister In Law
December 21, 2021, 4:49 pm
Gary and I are so very sorry for you loss of a wonderful mother, grandmother and mother in law. We are going to miss her so much. Warms our heart to know she is with your dad once again. Phyllis showed us all on what love was all about! We wish we could be with you and your families during this sad time but just know you are in our thoughts, prayers and of course always in our heart! Love you!
Susan Charlton-Williams - co-worker
December 21, 2021, 6:05 pm
Words can not express the loss. Phyllis was a joy to work with. She taught my children and grandchildren and I a couple of hers. I missed her greatly when she became ill. I have peace knowing she suffers no more and is with her beloved Savior. Love to the family.
Jeannie Ohler - sister-in-law
December 21, 2021, 9:41 pm
As her sister-in-law for 42 years I was able to quietly observe a life wholly devoted to her family. We are all defined by the legacy we leave behind and, as the family matriarch, Phyllis guided her children and grandchildren to lead full, meaningful, and compassionate lives. There is no greater legacy. She was devoted to her church and to her job teaching and mentoring so many children through the years. She loved Mike with all of her heart and it is so comforting to know that they are together again. Go in peace, Phyllis. You will always be in our hearts.
Shayna Weller & Family - Coworker to Michael Ohler
December 21, 2021, 10:41 pm
Praying that God’s love enfolds you and comforts you all through the pain. I hope he helps you heal from this heartbreaking loss.
Mary Grigsby - Sister
December 22, 2021, 6:53 pm
Phyllis you will be missed by so many. You were beautiful inside and outside. My brother was so lucky to have you for his wife and we all were blessed to have you in our lives. I will miss you ❤️