Phyllis Joan Thesenvitz

Phyllis Joan Thesenvitz (AKA "PJ") of Federal Way, Washington, was one of six children and a twin to her brother Phillip, and was born in Marysville, California to Lois and Joseph Elkins. She started her journey to heaven October 21, 2025 at the age of 88 at Avamere Rehabilitation Center of Burien, Washington, and joined Jesus and her loved ones who were waiting for her with open arms.

She and Stanley ("Gus") Thesenvitz were married December 24, 1952 and were inseparable until Stanley passed suddenly in 1992. Together they had 4 precious children with loving spouses who survive her: Stanley Thesenvitz, Jr. and Rosemary of Burien, Washington, Debra Bryant and Rick of East Wenatchee, Washington, Steven Thesenvitz and Sharon of Bonney Lake, Washington,and Raymond Thesenvitz and Dawn of Glide, Oregon. Phyllis “mom” primarily stayed home and dedicated her life to raising her kids but did work outside the home once the kids were more self-sufficient.

Phyllis was creative and artistic, and made many beautiful wood carvings that were sold, gifted, or displayed inside or outside the house. She was precocious and instigated many a water fight, and in her younger days, loved a good badminton game or work up softball game. When she was more mobile, she loved going to grandkids’ sporting events, dance recitals, commencement ceremonies, anywhere where she would see her loved ones. Christmas was her favorite holiday because it meant she would see her entire family. She always took great pride and enjoyment in decorating her Christmas tree which never had a bare spot for all of the ornaments hung, with hundreds of lights and an angel on the top. At Christmas, she often had hidden penny or hidden button games with prizes for the kids who found them, and loved watching the kids exchange or re-gift the items they had won. She was known to hide money in walnut shells placed in the nut bowl to surprise whomever decided to crack some nuts. And her heart melted when one of her great grandkids (Andrew) referred to her house as the “Christmas house.” Just days before she passed, she was already talking about plans for Christmas. Easter was a close second favorite holiday to her, with celebrations that included literally hundreds of plastic eggs hidden with money and prizes (with a few real eggs thrown in). She loved seeing the kids and adults searching for the eggs and the squeals of delight as they opened the eggs to find their treasures and the prize egg. Seeing all of her loved ones in one place is what brought her the most joy. She loved doing karaoke and even participated in it very recently while being cared for at Avamere. Over the years when she visited her siblings, there was almost always a penny ante poker game that broke out along with lots of teasing and laughter. She loved playing games whether it was wild rummy, Scrabble, or pinochle. Her smile lit up a room and she found joy in simple things.

She was a grandmother to 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She loved animals and her latest "kid" was Peanut, a Yorkie mix, who kept her on her toes, was a good companion, and made her smile.

Phyllis is survived by two of her siblings, Stephen Elkins (Patricia) of California, who visited mom fairly often much to her enjoyment, and Vylla Dahnert of Colorado. Mom requested no funeral but a gravesite service will be held at a later date (yet to be determined). The family is considering a celebration of life but no date or location has been established. Arrangements are being made by Emmick Family Funeral Services. Phyllis requested memorial gifts be given to Regional Animal Services of King County by going to their web site: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/executive-services/animals-pets-pests/regional-animal-services/donate . Please leave Mom’s name in the comments section so that the family can thank you for your donation. 

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