Phyllis Lyte

Phyllis was my very dear friend. Our friendship started many years ago when I worked at the Hi-Desert Star. She would come in to see our writing staff but she always stopped to see me first, and always greeted me first with a big smile and a big hug. She had the best hug ever. We lived in the same mobile home park and at times we would walk together. Our conversations were always about our lives. When she heard that my husband passed away she was one of the first to come see me. When I told her that I played the violin from the age of five till I was eighteen. She then said that she had studied violin. She said see there we have something in common. She hesitated then said "How in the world did you ever play the violin with those long nails?" we both laughed whole heartedly. I will never forget our friendship nor her words of wisdom. R.I.P. my Dear Friend.

Phyllis was a friend to my mother Bonnie Lord, who passed way in 2014. Before Bonnie’s passing my brother and I needed to come out from the east coast to assist her with her living conditions. At that time neither of us were in a position to afford plane tickets. Phyllis was generous enough to allow my brother and I use of her frequent flyer miles. Sadly, our mother passed while we were in the air, so the trip became a matter of managing her affairs. But we would not have been able to provide our mother with this final act of care if it were not for Phyllis’ kindness. My brother and I will always remember and appreciate her for that. Chris and Eric Duryea Boston

Phyllis was my Aunt, even though she told me not to call her “Aunt” Phyllis. I don’t think I ever got an explanation, but that was o.k. with me. As an adult, I came into her life, and she welcomed me and my husband with open arms. She provided me with a wealth of information on my new family and answered any questions I had. She had a big heart and was always willing to share insights or stories. She had a beautiful smile and a twinkle in her eyes. I have a collection of tree ornaments (a bird, snowman, star, etc.) she gave me every year, for many years. I will always treasure them along with the memories I have of her.

Phyllis and I both graduated from Trinity University – albeit about 10 years apart with different majors. I do not recall where or when we first met; but I do recall we shared a deep, perhaps soulful, connection we enjoyed more while I lived in San Diego than after I moved back to Texas. A high “time” in our friendship was when I took us to the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel for “high tea”; I recall we were there for hours, but it felt like minutes; and we had the benefit of our conversations up and back to bookend that time. After I returned to Texas in late 1997, our connections became more sporadic – emails and calls – and those waned over time so that I am sad to say I did not connect with her much after she had her heart surgery. That said, each of our connections WAS filled with a spirit of sincerity, curiosity, and appreciation for one another and for the time(s) we did share. Phyllis lifted my spirits by way of each of our exchanges. I was truly blessed by her and believe that I blessed her by way of our connection and our conversations. She has my deepest and sincerest blessings, Larry E. PS: My condolences to the family -- none of who I met but heard tidbits about from time to time.

My memories of Phyllis go back to 2013-2014, while we were both volunteers for the Sand to Sea Region of the American Red Cross. I was also the appointed Coordinator of the Morongo Basin Red Cross and our meetings were held at night. I always gave Phyllis a ride because she didn't drive at night and was often involved in different volunteer assignments. Most of my talks with Phyllis took place during our commutes to our monthly Community Meetings. When two strong-minded women were riding in the same car for a while, lots of topics came up, and not necessarily the same viewpoint. We never let a difference of opinion interfere with our friendship. I remember Phyllis as a strong-minded woman who was never afraid to speak up when she felt it was warranted. I never spent time with Phyllis outside of our Red Cross volunteer assignments or training classes. But in a disaster with the SHTF, Phyllis was a volunteer I wanted working with me, she was dependable and no-nonsense when it came to taking care of the clients that we served at Red Cross events, Evacuation Shelters, and wherever else we served. She made a lot of wonderful contributions along with the other volunteers of our Region and as a representative of the Morongo Basin. Rest in Peace, Phyllis.

Phyllis has been a friend for many years. We first met at a French class at the Yucca Valley Activity Center. Many occasions arose bringing us together often through the passing years. Phyllis was an inspiration in so many ways. Her interest in others and her insights and wisdom were a treasure. Phyllis sensitively touched our lives and left an indelible impression. The statement she shared with us is so true: “The hand that gives, gathers.” She will live forever in our hearts and minds. She will be missed. Jim and Dana Melton

Phyllis worked for me at California Western school of Law, where I was the Director of Faculty Support. She was a good worker and friend. She attended the funeral service for my brother and walked with me when I was the last person out of the chapel because I needed to say one last goodbye to my brother before joining the others at the grave site. After she moved away she surprised me one time when she was in San Diego and stopped by to visit me. She also called me a few months ago before she passed, I thought about her not long ago and was going to call. Should have, could have, would have . . . :-( May she rest in peace.

I've known this awesome lady for decades and all this time she signed her cards and emails MOM. That's the sweetest thing. She was more than a surrogate/adopted Mom for her children's friends. She was a wise lady and an intellect and very straightforward when she wanted to be. As a teen, I thought she looked like she should be in a black in white movie. She has that glamorous face. My earliest memory of her is with her 70's stationary bike in the Living room/Bedroom and she taught me what powdered milk was too :) You had to be there!! I am so blessed that she was a role model for me. I am so touched that she stayed connected. My Condolences to the Family and Friends

Phyllis and I worked together at the YMCA. We shared many a laugh over the 11 years and created a very close bond. Phyllis had a very curious outlook on life that brought a smile to us all. She was truly kind, funny and generous to all she met.

Phyllis was a woman ahead of her time. Intelligent, independent, resourceful, and caring. She was a true friend you could always count on. We met while working for the YMCA of San Diego County and continued our friendship through retirement. We kept in touch when she moved to Yucca Valley via emails and long phone conversations. I will miss her warm smile, positive attitude and desire to make a difference.

Phyllis Lyte (at our time working together, Phyllis Hill) was my secretary when I served as a Curriculum Coordinator at the San Diego County of Education. As others have written, she was vivacious, interested in many things, and kept me out of trouble in office doings. She was especially proud of her children. She was easy to work with and pleasant in her work with others. It was with sadness that I learned of her passing. Dr. Charles Ballinger

Phyllis was such a delight! She was an eclectic woman, who delved into the deepest mysteries of life. I always enjoyed sharing philosophies and life stories with her. Her lovely demeanor will always be remembered.

My husband and I met Phyllis in May 2011. We became friends quite quickly. She was a die hard Democrat and my husband is a die hard Republican. Sheesh, dinners could be intense 😅. At 1 such dinner (at my house) she stood up and so gracefully said, it's time for me to leave. They said goodnight and she hugged me. The next day she called and asked me if I needed her to go with me to Rick's surgery. Rick has been sick 11 years, Phyllis has been here by my side, every step since we met. I miss you so very much.

Phyllis and I attended the same schools in Hartford, CT for most of our youth and graduated from Weaver High School in 1954. Phyllis lived within walking distance of my home and I lived very close to her family bakery on Albany Ave. It was a place I visited often, her parents were very kind to me. Her mother, Edith, always gave me a treat when I walked into their bakery. We spent some very special times together and were good friends. Including an evening at her home, I believe on Westbourne Parkway, for dinner, games and conversation. That evening Phyllis and I were in the living room until the wee hours of the morning, I was startled when her father appeared, on his way to work at the bakery, it was still the middle of the night, and he wished us a good evening (or morning) and was on his way. He was not a bit astonished to see us there and not a bit upset that Phyllis was still with me at that hour. Phyllis was not at all surprised at her father’s wonderfully gracious moment. Another time we spent together that was special was at a dance in Glastonbury that Phyllis invited me to, I believe was sponsored by the high school. I did not know at the time that Phyllis loved to dance. She was a superb dancer and it was so easy to be her partner. We danced until the last dance of the night. It was a memorable evening. I cherished my time with Phyllis and the entire Baggish family. Hartford, at the time, offered a wonderful environment for children and teenagers. I always speak about how fortunate we were to have attended Weaver High School. It was diverse, it was welcoming and it taught us values that have remained with us for life. Phyllis had those values. While I have not been with her in many, many years, my memories are is if they were yesterday. You, her family, are most fortunate to have been able to share your lives with her.

She was such a great, caring community member. She always looked out for the residents and was an advocate for responsible government. She will be missed.

The first time I met Phyllis she was a resident at the mobile home park I currently manage. She was always kind, funny and thoughtful. She always gave me the best advice and wasn't afraid to speak her mind and I greatly respected her for that! She made me laugh so many times but she also was an amazing lady to so many people here. Every time I pass her home, a bit of sadness creeps it's way into my heart as she was certainly a one of a kind resident here at the park. We will miss her greatly.

The first time I met Phyllis I was in my early twenties. She pulled up in front of Linda’s and my house on Beachwood Canyon in a pick-up truck. She was wearing jeans and a T-shirt with her hair cut short. No make up. Just her bright eyes and open smile. There was no pretense about her. A real natural person. I instantly felt comfortable. Phyllis danced to the rhythm of her own drum. She spoke her mind. She had her own clarity and insights. She was helpful humorous and smart. And she love- loved her children. I’m so sorry for your loss, Linda and David. Your mom always had a twinkle in her eyes. And made me laugh. I’m so happy that I got to big hug her during Covid. And that I was able to say goodbye. May her memory be a blessing to you both. Somewhere out there in the vast beautiful universe, I see her riding the light fantastic and will have more stories to share.

I will always remember our delightful conversations about anything and everything. I will also miss her amazing and thorough insights on our political issues. She was my go-to person for all elections and initiatives. Thoughtful, intelligent, gentle, loving and giving. Talented and a great sense of humor! Always willing to talk about or try new things and meet new people. I will miss her. Thank you Phyllis!!! You are an inspiration and wonderful example of the best in us humans.

I cannot find one special memory, they all were. I think back to camping, her driving the VW Van, The purple bell bottoms, the makeup Linda and I played with at 9 years old. The gift she gave my sister, her tireless sacrifice for her children, the talent and love she shared. The love she showed by sending my son a birthday card every year with a little something in it (talk about love) she was extraordinary! I love that Lady! Linda and David, you shared a wonderful mom together and I thank you for sharing her with me. I love you Mama Phyllis, forever in my heart. Your “adopted” daughter, Karen

I met Phyllis when I first came to San Diego, through a travel industry function. We connected instantly and became friends. She was always there when I needed to sound off or get advice about something - we used to meet for lunch when she was in San Diego. She attended my 70th birthday party a few years ago which was super. We last had a lovely visit last when she was visiting David; she phoned me once she got to San Marcos, with a plan to visit her in the future. That time never came, but I will always remember her warmly. I often think of her - RIP my friend.

The Phyllis that we knew was interesting beyond description, probably because she has such a full life. She touched many lives in her teaching career and many more because of her drive to volunteer. She will undoubtedly live on in many hearts. Our biggest regret was that we never had the pleasure of hearing her sing, but we know she was very accomplished. We extend our deepest sympathy to her entire family and especially to our beloved Linda Hill.