Phyllis Loraine Peters

Phyllis Peters of Kalamazoo died on Sunday, August 25, 2019, at Bronson Hospital. Phyllis was born on December 10, 1929, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Carl and Ruth (VerPlank) Bultema.  Her family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan and Phyllis was a member of the Kalamazoo Central High School graduation class of 1947.  Phyllis was united in marriage on January 27, 1949 with Neil W. Peters, Jr.     Phyllis was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She cared about her community and knew the importance of serving others. She was a 4-H leader when her children were young and volunteered at the Shepherd’s Center in Kalamazoo. Phyllis also operated an art gallery, Creative Outlet, with her sister-in-law, Maxine Olvitt, featuring the work of local artists.    She was an enthusiastic traveler and during her marriage traveled to Mexico, Mallorca, Greece, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium. She even had the courage to chaperone a high school field trip to France with her friend, Barbara Robinson. She was an avid tennis player, and she played bridge most of her life. These activities gave her a wide and loving group of friends. A voracious reader and an intellectually curious woman, she took psychology and investment classes at the local community college.    Phyllis faced her last years of difficult physical circumstances with resilience, dignity, and grace. We, her family, hope we do as well when it’s our turn. She is survived by her children, Stephanie Peters of Kalamazoo, Denise (Jeffrey) Brennan of Van Meter, IA and Patrick (Shannon) Peters of Paw Paw; two sisters, Lois Offet of Alabama, Dorothy Landells of Otsego; four brothers, Gerald Bultema of Richland, Robert Bultema of Kalamazoo, James Bultema of Gobles, John Bultema of Kalamazoo; three grandsons, Neil Brinkerhuff, Joshua and Zachary Brennan.  Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband; Neil W. Peters Jr., son, Neil W. Peters III, and daughter, Linda Dalrymple.   Friends will be received Saturday, September 14, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo Michigan 49008.  Memorial donations may be made to the Neil W. Peters III Award Fund at Worcester Academy, 81 Providence St., Worcester, MA 01604.  Donations may also be made electronically to: www.worcesteracademy.org/givenow and please indicate the "Neil W. Peters III Award Fund" in special instructions.