Obituary of Phyllis Colby

COLBY: Phyllis Aileen (nee Stocker) -

A resident of Ridgetown, Phyllis Colby passed away at the Village on the Ridge on Friday, July 20, 2018 at the age of 97.

Born in Woolbeding, Sussex, England, Phyllis was the daughter of the late William and Aileen (Terry) Stocker.

Beloved wife of the late Peter Lee Colby (1982).

Loving mother of Ann Spooner of Chatham, Deanna Barkley (late Lyle) of Ottawa, Charles and Barbara Colby of Morpeth, Catherine and Jerry Fridrich of Toronto, Bill and Liz Colby of Chatham, Henry and Brenda Colby of Wallaceburg, Elaine and Rob Dubuque of Ridgetown, Jane and Don Robbins of Chatham, Christine and Jean LeDuc of Brantford and Robert Colby of Ridgetown.

Proud Grandma of 24 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Survived by two sisters and three brothers in England. Predeceased by one sister and two brothers.

Also missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.

Phyllis served in the British Air Force during World War II and was the last surviving British war bride in Ridgetown area. She married Peter in 1945, and in 1947 she began her life on the farm in rural Ridgetown. Phyllis was an active member of St. Michael's Church and their CWL. She had been a member of the Beechwood Women's Institute and was a 4-H leader. She was an avid bridge player and a ruthless scrabble player.

Family will receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown on Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Parish Prayers will be held Sunday at 7:00 pm, followed by a Legion Service at 7:15 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 26 George Street, Ridgetown at 11:00 am on Monday, July 23, 2018. Interment to follow at St. Michael's Cemetery.

Donations made in memory of Phyllis to the Community Living Chatham-Kent would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown, 519-674-3141