Phyllis Jean Cauwels

Phyllis Jean Cauwels, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed from this earth into the arms of her heavenly Father on Tuesday, January 9, 2018.  Phyllis was born October 29, 1935 in Southwest City, Missouri to Raye and Harry Chalmers.

She spent the majority of her childhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her mother, Raye and grandmother, Hester (Granny).  She came to know Christ as her Lord and Savior through the influence of her Granny during her teen years. She went to John Brown Academy as a senior in High School where her faith became rooted and established in the Lord. She went on to go to college at John Brown University and at 19, she married the love of her life, Jack Cauwels, June 4, 1955. After graduation they moved to California where she worked at the John Brown School. Soon, they started a family and their four children Mark, Caryn, Denise and David came into the world. She thrived in her role as mother and being involved in church activities. 

Phyllis had a unique gift of hospitality that she readily used, opening her home to many. She served as a bible study fellowship leader. Her love for the Lord led her to enjoy church activities alongside her passion for being a stay at home mom. In her later years, Phyllis enjoyed traveling for ministry opportunities with her husband, Jack. She also thrived ministering to women in the “Mom to Mom” ministry, Bible studies, and hosting numerous families at their home. Jack and Phyllis grew to enjoy a good game of golf on a regular basis. Those that knew Phyllis knew her love for Birkenstocks, getting her hair done, accessories, jackets, and a good cup of Chai Tea from Starbucks (made a very specific way!). 

She was a faithful prayer warrior that faced life’s difficulties with great strength. Phyllis was an incredible grandmother and great-grandmother that poured her life into her loved ones. Having 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, she never forgot a birthday card, Christmas present, or special date. To all who knew her, she was the most giving, wise, Godly, kind hearted, generous woman who held strong convictions in her faith and in her love and commitment to her beloved, Jack. 

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Jack; son, Mark and wife, Sue, daughter, Caryn and husband, Randy, daughter, Denise and son, David and wife, Becky; 16 grandchildren, John, Richie, Jamie, Ben, Kristin, Jessie, Kristy, Kory, Ashley, Baylee, Kaci, Carter, Blaine, Elias, Elliot and Kaya and 12 great-grandchildren, Josie, Kaiya, Abigail, Johnathan, Brody, Jack, August, Miles, Juliana, Lily, Zoe, and Jace (due in March).

Private burial will be at Pinnacle Memorial Gardens.

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