Windsor, Vt. —
She was born July 29, 1926, in South Royalton, Vt. Phyllis was the first of ten children for Glenn and Beatrice (White) Kenison. Growing up she attended school in Sharon as well as South Royalton High School. Her favorite pastime was reading a book under a tree with her dog, “Ino.”
While working at Newbury’s in White River, Phyllis met Stanley Pyer, the couple were married in September of 1944. Over the next seventeen years she continued to work at Newbury’s and give birth to sons Edgar (1948) and Ernie (1956). In July of 1962 Phyllis found herself divorced with her boys and wanting a new start.
Phyllis, her boys, her friend Dot, along with her daughter, Darlene loaded up the car and headed to Los Gatos, Calif. The women were asked many times if they were lost as they made their way west. The kids were excited to see buffalo and a “real” teepee. Phyllis found her fresh start. In November of 1964 Phyllis met and married Vernon J. Renner (Sioux City, Iowa) and they had one daughter, Verna (1967).
Phyllis lived in Campbell, Calif., until 1980 when she and Vernon along with their daughter moved to Grants Pass, Ore. In 1997, Phyllis moved back to Vermont, living in White River and Granville. Phyllis would travel back and forth to Oregon until 2003 when she moved into her daughter’s home in Central Point, Ore. Phyllis had been living in Windsor, Vermont at the Davis Home for the last few years.
Phyllis was dedicated to her family helping take care of her siblings, being a surrogate mom to her kids’ friends, and trying to mother everyone. She always had homemade cookies or bread on hand for any who entered her home. Phyllis was a lifetime member of the PTA, Girl Scout leader, S.M.A.R.T. reader and volunteered at Quinn Town Senior Center.
Phyllis was predeceased in death by husband, Vernon (1997); son, Johnny Renner (2001); siblings, Norman Kenison, Marilyn Pronto, Rebecca Maxwell and Bradley Kenison. She is survived by her children, Ed Pyer (Nancy) of South Lake Tahoe, Ernie Pyer (Margie) of Grants Pass, Verna Renner Edgerton (Bruce) of Central Point, a foster daughter, Darlene Kestel (Dan); 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. Her brothers, Wendell Kenison (Theresa), Stanley Kenison (Sandra), Glenn Kenison (Jeannie), Marshall Kenison (Joan) and Rodney Kenison (Terry) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements are being handled by the Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home, Chelsea, Vt. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 10 at the West Hartford Cemetery in West Hartford, Vt. Phyllis asked that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, 110 Main St. #203, Burlington, VT 05401.
A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley.com.