Phyllis Bodolay, 81, of Coldwater passed away suddenly on Monday, June 3, 2013 at the Community Health Center of Branch County.

The funeral service will be Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 11:00 am at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater with Pastor Emily Beechy from Girard United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 7, 2013 from 4-8:00 pm at Dutcher Funeral Home.

Phyllis was born March 13, 1932 in Lansing, Michigan to Howard and Mary (Rice) Watling. She joined the Peace Corps. where she met and married Jon Bodolay on August 20, 1978 in Belize.

Mrs. Bodolay was a graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in education and she loved teaching. She worked at the University of West Indies where she was a supervisor of teachers. She also taught in Ambergris Caye, Guam, Potterville and Charlotte. She spent 23 years teaching at Edison and Jefferson Schools, retiring in 1991.

Mrs. Bodolay was a member of Girard United Methodist Church, Tibbits Opera House, a local book club and was a former member of the Eagles. She enjoyed helping members, and spent much time volunteering at Tibbits, the CHC Auxiliary, the Shelter House, and serving Meals on Wheels. She loved playing cards with her family, camping, sewing, shopping, playing the piano, traveling, and going to the theater.

Phyllis is survived by her daughters Carolyn (Ken Morris) Stewart of Coldwater, Katheryn Braind of Centreville, Sharon Wallace-Abrey of Coldwater; her grandchildren Lt. Commander Lloyd B. Magruder IV of California, Lisa Braind of Colorado, Kristi Braind, Esq. of New York, Karri Wallace-Gruner of Florida; her great-grandchildren Lloyd B. (Bryce) Magruder V and Brynna Magruder of Florida, Rachel and Chloe Cross of Michigan and a dear family friend, Mary Lou Mahood.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jon on October 4, 2006, her brothers Wayne, Glen, Gary, her sister Doris, and her granddaughter Brandi Wallace-Cross.

Memorials may be made to Tibbits Opera House and the Branch County Humane Society.