Phyllis Ann Fisher

Phyllis Ann Fisher, 56, of Chandler, AZ passed away on November 3, 2015 in Chandler. Phyllis was born in Falls City, Nebraska to the late Robert and Glenda Fisher on November 27, 1958. Growing up on a rural family farm, "Phyl" found plenty of opportunity for mischief. She was normally accompanied in such deeds by older brother Mike (who Phyl always blamed as the instigator, yeah right Phyl). She was known to have arrived home from the creekbed caked in mud from head to toe or smelling of stale beer (after finding someones hidden beer stash under the bridge and having a shake and spray battle with brother Mike). Constructing dams across the creek and building underground forts were also in her repertoire. All of this by age 10. Those who know her will not be surprised by these early adventures. Saying Phyl had a sense of fun is an understatement. Although not an athlete, she did show olympic caliber prowess at the age of 6 when chased out of a barn by a bull snake and hurdled the half-height barn door. In 1983 Phyl was involved in a serious car accident (the "wreck", as she referred to it). Her proximity to a hospital and the skilled hands of Drs Paul Collicott and Dwight Cherry certainly saved her life that day. She endured two weeks of ICU and an additional month before being freed from the hospital. Once released, roomates Anne and Shelly looked after her during her continued recovery. They did far more for Phyl than even she knew. Phyl was always so deeply grateful and felt blessed to have these two in her life, as she spoke of them often. Phyl was proud to have attended one of the last operating K thru 8 one-room school houses in Nebraska. A particular point of pride being that her Dad as a young boy had carved his name on a corner of the schools foundation. Phyl missed her Dad throughout her life, as he passed when Phyl was only 9. Phyl attended Falls City High School, and received a Bachelors degree from the University of Nebraska. In 1988 Phyl followed big sister Terri to the Phoenix, Arizona area. She worked as an office manager at Bare Cover in Mesa, and at Metalink Corporation in Chandler. She later took a position at SkyMall producing copy and layout for the magazines large corporate clients. She moved on to start her own promotional product company which she ran for many years. Phyl was an avid reader and was a big fan of CBS Sunday Morning, TED Talks, and interviews by Charlie Rose and Bill Moyers. She also enjoyed gardening, hiking, golf, travel, music, walking her beloved "puppies" and most of all the company of friends and family. She had a creative mind and a playful spirit. Phyl always greeted you with a warm smile and a hug. She was known for converting non-huggers to huggers - you received a hug whether you wanted one or not. She had a great big heart and a warm open personality. It only took one encounter with Phyl to take an immediate like of her and sense the kindness of her nature. Anyone experiencing a cloudy day soon had sunshine after an encounter with Phyl. Phyllis is survived by her husband, Joseph Dougherty; sisters Terri Fisher and Paula Rhian; brother Michael Fisher; stepdad Paul Benitz; nieces Shelly Huppert, Emily Barzee, Laura Herrick, JoAnna Herrick and nephews Jim and Mike Rhian and Tim Herrick. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert Fisher and Glenda Fisher Benitz, her grandparents and several aunts and uncles. A memorial service will be held on Saturday Nov 14 at 11am at Falconer Funeral Home, 251 W. Juniper Ave. Gilbert, AZ 85233. Phyl would appreciate casual attire - as you know she was a shorts and tee shirt kind of girl. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being setup for the benefit of Falls City Library. Send donations to Joe Dougherty 1802 W. Rosal Dr Chandler,AZ 85224