Phyllis was born Sept. 8, 1933, to Clarence S. Ward and Maxine V. McAllister in Battle Creek, Mich. She married Julian Anthony "Tony" Crawford on Mar. 22, 1953 in Charlotte, MI. From 1970-75, she was employed as an executive secretary at Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN. She first came to Durango in 1971. Phyllis was employed at First National Bank of Durango from Nov. 23, 1983 until Mar. 1, 2001, when John Marvel retired, then worked part time there until 2009.
Phyllis collected porcelain dolls, and knitted and crocheted many gifts for friends, family and charity. She is remembered fondly by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her children: Kathy Olinger, Jerry (Morgan) Crawford, Susie (Randy) Henderson, and David (Lori) Crawford - all of the Durango area; a brother: Clarence S. Ward, Jr. of Waterford, MI; 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Tony, in 1969; stillborn great-grandson: Abel Hoover; and an infant brother: Charles Leonard Ward.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Leukemia Research Foundation (allbloodcancers.org) or Breast Cancer Research Foundation (bcrfcure.org).
A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, at 4 p.m., at Providence Presbyterian Church (at the 1st Southern Baptist Church) 1715 West 2nd Ave., Durango.