Obituary of Phyllis Jane (Roorda) Herman

Phyllis Jane (Roorda) Herman

Loving wife, devoted mother, doting grandmother.

 

1942-2023

 

Phyllis passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. She was 80 years old.

 

Phyllis was born on October 2, 1942, in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Gary and Bertha (DeVries) Roorda. She grew up on a farm in Hollandale, Minnesota with her sister Dee (Deloris) and brother Dick (Richard). Phyllis graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1960.

 

Phyllis was 100% Dutch and very proud of that heritage. She loved tulips and windmills. She told her friends and family many stories of growing up in the small Dutch farming community of Hollandale. She grew up attending Hollandale Reformed Church. Phyllis kept in touch with childhood friends including Janice (Henderson) Schwartz and Joyce (DeVries) Reynen, who she went to school with from first grade through high school. She made many lifelong friends from her childhood days.

 

Phyllis married Howard Thompson in 1961. They lived in Des Moines, Iowa and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Together they had one child, Susan Jane (Thompson) Allen in 1963. They moved to Colorado in December of 1966. Phyllis and Howard were married for 15 years.

 

In 1967, Phyllis began working for COBE Laboratories (later called The Sorin Group). It was there that she met two of her closest Colorado friends, Ginger Snyder and Alice Press (both preceded her in death). She retired in 2010 after 43 years of service.

 

Phyllis worked many years as an Avon associate. She earned 17 President’s Club Annual Albee Awards. She enjoyed providing friends with great service and fun products.

 

Phyllis married William Herman on July 13, 1991, in the mountains of Evergreen, Colorado. They lived in Wheat Ridge and later in Arvada, Colorado. Together, they shared a beautiful home, adored their loving pets, and enjoyed their life together. Phyllis and William celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary in 2022.

 

Phyllis’s favorite hobby was taking, sharing, and displaying pictures. She spent many hours enjoying all her pictures and memories. Phyllis delighted in her four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was affectionately called “Granny” and “G.G.”

 

Phyllis enjoyed traveling, especially visiting family in Minnesota and often attending “Tulip Time” in Pella, Iowa with friends and family. She was blessed by the friendship of many dear friends both in Minnesota and Colorado.

 

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Gary and Bertha Roorda; her brother Richard Roorda; sister Deloris Reed. and brother-in-law Robert Reed.

 

Phyllis is survived by her husband, William Herman; her daughter Susan (Patrick) Allen; four grandchildren Graham Allen (Lena), Anneke Schlagel (Eli), Jensen Allen, Lauryn Allen; and two great-grandchildren Ryker and Brecklyn. She also has two stepchildren, Chris Herman (Lanaya) and Diedre Linville (Jeff), and seven step-grandchildren Tyler, Rylee, Cadence Jane, Haigan, Sviah, Beckett, and Nilsen. She is survived by her sister-in-law Janet Roorda-Monlux; nephews and nieces Gary Reed (Julie), Kelly Auer (Mike), Ann Kriewall (Todd), Mary Muzik (Danny), Heidi Jo Roorda Morton (Scott), and Lucas Dean Roorda (Shawna); as well as many loving friends and relatives.

 

In “Granny’s Story” a memoir she wrote for her grandchildren, Phyllis referenced a verse from The Book of Psalms:

 

“My cup overflows with blessings.” Psalm: 23:5

 

Phyllis will be remembered for her infectious laugh, humor, and gentle spirit. Her smile could light up a room!  Everyone with whom Phyllis shared her life was touched by her kindness and love. There’s an old Dutch saying “Lets bedekken met de mantel der liefde” which means “covering something with a cloak of love.”  That’s exactly what Phyllis did… covered everyone with her cloak of love. She will be missed.

 

For those who desire, donations in Phyllis’ memory are welcome at either of the following organizations:

 

Cure Alzheimer’s Fund

34 Washington St., Suite 310

Wellesley Hills, MA 02481

781-237-3800

curealz.org/giving/donate/

 

Hollandale Heritage Huis (museum)

PO Box 220

Hollandale, MN 56045

City of Hollandale

507-889-4001