Phyllis E. (Carroll) Cotanche

Phyllis E. Cotanche, 86, passed away at home in Walloon Lake with her family on July 14, 2019. Phyllis was born August 7, 1932 to Elver and Hazel (Goodwin) Carroll in Detroit.  When she was very young the family moved to Walloon Lake.

Phyllis married Bruce G. Cotanche on October 4, 1948 in Walloon Lake at her parent’s home on West Street.  They built their home on Walloon Street in 1960 and have lived there ever since.  Phyllis and Bruce celebrated their 70th Anniversary October 4, 2018 along with a large group of family and friends at Springbrook Golf Club.

Phyllis was a very dedicated and active wife, mother and member of the local community.  Her life was focused on family and the Walloon Lake and Melrose Township area.

Phyllis and Bruce owned and operated the Beach House restaurant in the late 1960’s at the local beach.  She was famous for her long john sweet rolls.  Phyllis worked at the Walloon Lake Post Office for decades under several different postmasters and she also worked at the Walloon Village General Store for almost 20 years until her illness was discovered early this year.  

In 2008 at age 76 Phyllis was first elected to the Melrose Township Board.  She was re-elected for two more terms and was still serving on the Township Board and Planning Commission until her resignation was submitted this month.  In almost 11 years she only missed one meeting and that was due to her recent illness.

Phyllis was involved in many other local activities. She was a den mother and scouting supporter along with her husband, she was the camp cook at Camp Greilick Boy Scout camp near Traverse City for two years in the 1960’s. Phyllis was an EMT with the Melrose Township Fire Department as well.

Phyllis is survived by her husband Bruce, daughter Susan (Robert) Lyons of Walloon Lake, and sons Martin (Valerie) Cotanche of Williamsburg, Bryce (Sharon) Cotanche of Boyne Falls and Carl (Mary) Cotanche of Boyne City.  She is also survived by Grandchildren Katie (Eric) Morell of Onaway, Mike (Casey) Bradley, and Adam and David Cotanche both of Marquette.  Her great grandchildren include Emmett Morell, MiKayla Bradley, Aydren Bradley, and EmmaLeigh Bradley. She is also survived by her sister Shirley Thurlow and several nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter Elaine Mae Cotanche and siblings Edward Carroll, Louis Carroll and Dorothy Goodwin.

Memorial contributions in Phyllis’s name can be made to the Walloon Lake Branch, Crooked Tree District Library, PO Box 518, 2203 Walloon St., Walloon Lake, MI 49796.

Phyllis requested that there be no funeral.  There will be a private graveside service for immediate family. 

A casual gathering of friends and family to celebrate Phyllis’s life will be held at Melrose Township Hall, 04289 M-75 N., Walloon Lake, MI 49796 on Saturday, July 20, 2019 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

The family is being cared for and served by the Stackus Funeral Home of Boyne City.  

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