County Seat Newspaper
of Clare County
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Phyllis Dorrene (Henry) McCulloch was born a gift from God on December 24, 1946, and passed away peacefully with her loving husband Ron McCulloch by her side on July 17, 2026. Phyllis is survived by the love of her life, Ron McCulloch, her son, Scott (Diana) McCulloch, her daughter Stephanie (Mark) Brionez; her grandchildren, Gabrielle McCulloch, Jordan (Karina) Brionez, Hailey Brionez, and Makenzie Brionez; two great-grandchildren, Kamila and Aiyda; and several loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilford “Alec” and Dorrene Henry; her sisters, Carolyn (Fred) Yennoir, and Shirley Henry; and her brothers Bernard (Joey) Henry, who died serving America in Vietnam, and Vernon (Sue) Henry.
Phyllis was born in Clare, Michigan and lived in Harrison, Michigan for most of her life. She was the head majorette at Harrison High School, where she graduated in 1965. She was the first in her family to attend college and she began her college career at Western Michigan University. She transferred to Central Michigan University where she met the love of her life, Ron McCulloch and the two married in 1968. Phyllis achieved both her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Reading. After graduation, she and Ron built their home and family in the Harrison community. The two were a true “power couple”; the unique “power” they had was the special gift of positively impacting the lives of the young people they taught and coached. Phyllis was a beloved elementary school teacher for over three decades, and Varsity Cheerleading coach at Harrison High School. She was especially gifted in teaching little ones to read. She received an award as Harrison Community Schools’ Teacher of the Year for the 1983-1984 school year but was the unofficial teacher and coach of the year to so many students and athletes whose lives she touched so deeply.
Phyllis loved spending time with her family. She was the biggest supporter of her husband and his coaching, always recording every game and cheering him on as both a wife and a cheer coach with never-ending school spirit. In recent years, even when hospitalized, she would get excited to watch football or basketball games with Ron, and he would make her favorite snack to bring her to enjoy together during game time. Phyllis was such a firm believer in kindness, she would not get mad or animated about the score of the game, but only if players were not following the rules, tackling or fouling on purpose to injure someone, she would become very animated and angrily voice her opinion that the offending player should be kicked out of the game. Phyllis enjoyed many camping trips with her family, and family vacations to the ocean, and she would sew in advance, matching outfits for the family and some of her daughter’s favorite bathing suits.
She was an amazing mother, always kind, loving, and easy to talk to about anything. She never missed a game, recital or school event for her children, and was always there to lend an ear or a helping hand to her kids, family, friends and even strangers. She had a very special bond with her family. When her mom and sisters were alive, if they weren’t taking walks or drinking coffee together, they would often be found chit-chatting in a wooden porch swing built by her brother, Vern, who handmade a lot of furniture and wood crafts for those he loved. She especially loved playing music with her brothers, sisters, granddaughter, daughter, cousins and other family members. She loved being given personal, private musical concerts by her daughter and son-in-law. She somehow found the time each year to mail birthday, anniversary, graduation and other milestone cards to all her family: kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, and their children and her in-laws; her thoughtfulness and unselfishness was never-ending.
Phyllis's kindness touched the lives of so many people, young and old. She always looked for the best in people and was quick to lend a helping hand to those in need especially when it came to children who needed a role model, emotional support, a new pair of shoes or a winter coat, or help with their education or any problems they were going through. She was truly a gift from God because she was never judging others, always kind, compassionate and forgiving. She had a passion for supporting veterans and a great appreciation for their sacrifices.
After retirement, she and Ron moved to Leesburg, Florida, where she made more friends and honorary family members. She taught clogging dance class and proudly sewed the costumes for the group's performances. She was part of a quilting group for many years, and her beautiful quilts have been cherished by many. She and Ron enjoyed playing golf together and meeting new people, and an occasional Harley ride to New Smyrna Beach, where Ron surprised her with a brick on the walkway to the beach, commemorating their wedding anniversary.
During the past several years, Phyllis endured many health obstacles, surgeries and pain. She was courageous and strong, and her kind spirit surrounded all those health care workers, friends and family who helped take care of her, becoming the “favorite patient” at every facility she went to.
Phyllis was a true angel on earth as she is in heaven. She will be remembered, loved, cherished and missed by so many.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life is scheduled at Pennbrooke Fairways, 32900 Countryside Blvd., Leesburg, Florida, 34748, at the Activity Center on October 17, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Additionally, the family will hold a Memorial Service and Celebration of Life at the Moose Lodge in Harrison, Michigan, 5185 North Clare Ave., Harrison, Michigan, 48625, on December 12, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following charities supporting literacy for children and United States Veterans:
Children’s Literacy:
United States Veterans:
