Our Mother, Clara Mae “Phyllis” Staten-Iles travelled through death’s door Tuesday, July 22, 2025 and was met by her savior, our Lord Jesus Christ and many family and friends who have gone before her.
Clara was known to most as Phyllis, and was born September 8, 1938 to Robert and Katherine Pennington-Stevens in Hardy, Kentucky; but spent the majority of her growing up years in Goodman (Williamson) West Virginia, moving to Michigan in the early 1960s.
She was a humble and strong woman who touched the lives of many. She loved gardening, creating beautiful flower beds from tons of stones from her beloved “Stone Mountain” residence. She could often be seen sitting on her front porch swing enjoying the morning sun with a cup of coffee.
Saturday night was her gospel and country music night, and she faithfully tuned in every weekend. She could also be seen tearing up the side road in her golf cart “Baby Doll”, stopping to visit with the neighbors and viewing her beautiful flowers.
Of the many jobs that Phyllis had through the years, the one that she loved the most was being mother to five children, grandmother to six, and great grandmother to 18. Most everyone in the Litchfield area will quite likely remember her as “The Canteen Lady” at several of the local factories where she worked for many years.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, infant daughter Donna Kay Staten, and sons Steven and Aaron Staten; and one brother – James Stevens.
She will be sorely missed by her remaining children … Deborah (Donald) Campbell and Barron Staten. Grandchildren – Kyle (Jamie) Campbell, Katie (Matt) Thomas, Brad (Nicole) Chapman, Nathaniel (Sarah) Staten, Christopher (Michelle) Staten, and Nicholas (Miranda) Staten; and 18 beautiful great grandchildren; as well as her brother Roger (Dorene) Smith, sister-in-law, Carolyn Stevens and many nieces and nephews; as well as special friends Susie and Missy who became family. Her memory will echo in our hearts for the rest of our lives.
Just as sure as we are of the rising and setting of the sun, we are assured that we will see our Mother and Grandmother again — for death is but a door that we must all pass through. It is our decision, with regard to the gift of salvation and acceptance of Jesus Christ as our savior, as to where we will spend eternity.
Please join us as we celebrate Phyllis’s life at visitation Friday, July 25, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Brent Stille officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Litchfield.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For online condolences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.
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