Phyllis Moss

Phyllis Jane Moss, 97, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2025, in Prescott, Arizona, under the care of her two daughters.

Born in 1927 near Albion, Nebraska, Phyllis was raised on a rural homestead by her parents, Edwin and Laura Mattison. Her love for learning led her to become a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse after high school, a role that reflected her lifelong value of education. She later attended the University of Nebraska, where fate intervened at a Sunday church-sponsored dinner. There she met Rodney Moss who would become her soulmate in a marriage that spanned 61 years.

After their wedding, Phyllis and Rod moved to Bloomington, Indiana, where he completed graduate school. They built a life together in Midland, Michigan raising their two daughters, Barbara and Betty Jo. A special joy for Rod and Phyllis was family summers visiting their cottage on Elk Lake. Phyllis remained devoted to her daughters all of her life. She was a giving mother in all respects. Her continual generosity extended to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In the early 1980s, Rod and Phyllis embarked on an adventure, living in Hong Kong for five years. With Hong Kong as a base, they traveled extensively throughout the world. Phyllis immersed herself in the culture and became a certified master from the Sogetsu School of Ikebana flower arranging. Upon returning to the U.S., she enjoyed teaching others this delicate art form.

In retirement, Phyllis and Rod built their dream home in Prescott, Arizona. Rod passed away in 2011. Nevertheless, Phyllis continued to cultivate friendships and embrace an active lifestyle filled with gardening, church, golf, bridge, quilting, and volunteering with People Who Care. Those who knew her will remember her independent spirit and inquisitive mind—always eager to learn, explore, and connect with those around her. Even into her 90s, she remained vibrant and engaged with life.

Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Barbara Baker (Laurence) and Betty Jo Haggerty (Fred). She leaves behind beloved grandchildren: Christopher Baker, Andie Baker (Andrew Mortazavi), Matthew Haggerty (Allison Ling) and Nathan Haggerty (Danielle); and three dear great-grandchildren, Ada, Hazel and Logan. 

A private memorial for Phyllis is planned by the family. In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to honor Phyllis’s memory through donations to her favorite charities: Prescott United Methodist Church, People Who Care of Prescott, Arizona, or On My Own of Michigan.