Phyllis J. Dobson

Phyllis Jean (nee Garvin) Dobson, age 86, of Bedford, passed away peacefully May 13, 2024, at The Dolan Center for Dementia Care at Heather Hill in Chardon, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde T. Garvin and Mildred K. (nee Ware) Garvin, and her daughter, Debra J. Lloyd. She is survived by her ex-husband, William J. Dobson; her daughter, Laura M. (Theodore) Dalheim of Chardon; her brothers, David L. Garvin of Indianapolis, IN, and Michael L. (Joan) Garvin of Bedford: grandchildren, Peter J. (Kathryn) Dietrich Jr. of Burton, Kenneth A. Lloyd of Wilmington, NC, and Jessica S. (Matthew) Quirke of Leroy Township; great-grandchildren, Ethan and Luke Dietrich, and Carla and Rebecca Quirke; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. Phyllis graduated from Bedford High School in 1956. She completed some college courses at Tri-C Community College in Warrensville Heights.  She worked for various moving companies for many years as a packer and estimator, a good number of those years alongside her mother. She held other jobs as a bookkeeper. Phyllis moved with her daughter Debra to the Wilmington, NC, area in the early ‘80s. She enjoyed walking on the beach, and loved the South so much she enticed her childhood friend, Marge Stanton, to join her in Wilmington.  She and Marge remained there for more than 20 years, until returning to Bedford to care for her aging parents.  Anyone who knew Phyllis knew that her favorite drink was Dr Pepper, and her favorite color was blue. During the CB radio craze of the ‘70s, her “handle” was Lady Blue. Driving by her house, passersby might have heard the strains of a Neil Diamond song wafting through the windows. If you walked into her home, you would likely find her seated in front of her sewing machine, a permanent fixture in her living room, sewing yet another blue garment. She loved quilting as well, and made many beautiful quilts for family members and friends. If she didn’t have a sewing needle pinched between her fingers, her hands were holding a book. She loved to read, a love she passed on to both of her daughters. She volunteered for several years at the Bedford Strawberry Festival, preparing shortcakes and berries in the basement of the Bedford Historical Society with a couple of her close friends, Patricia Papish and Kaye Parsons.  Friends will be received Saturday, June 15, from 2-4 p.m. at St. John Funeral Home, 923 Broadway Ave., Bedford. In honor of Phyllis, we welcome everyone to wear something blue. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Bedford Historical Society.