Phyllisan (Kottman) West

Passed away Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the age of 89. Phyllisan was born on December 14, 1933, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to the late William and Rosetta Kottman. Phyllisan graduated from Western Michigan University, where she earned a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Computer Education in Florida in 1983. She taught at Caloosa Middle School of Lee County Florida from 1973 until her retirement in 1996.

On December 20, 1952, Phyllisan married her best friend, Arthur. They enjoyed 64 years together until Arthur’s passing in 2017.

As the wife of a captain in the US Army, Phyllisan traveled the world including Japan, Europe and several army bases at different locations in the United States. After Arthur’s retirement from the army they returned to Kalamazoo, Michigan, to continue raising their family. They moved to Florida in 1972 where they remained until each of their deaths.

Phyllisan was an avid Ham Radio operator and member of the American Radio Relay League. In the days before cell phones when hurricanes would knock out phone lines and other methods of communication, she would send messages from people in the hurricane’s path to their relatives out-side the area to let them know their loved ones were safe. She served 40 years in this service including becoming the Assistant Section Manager of Southern Florida.

While her children were young, Phyllisan loved teaching 4-H classes and being a Cub Scout den mother. Using the wood working skills learned from her father, she enjoyed building book cases, shelving etc. for her home. She was also innovative made modifications to a Volkswagen Camper to make traveling through Europe and England more comfortable and affordable for her family. She even wrote an article about their camping adventures which was published in Camping Guide Magazine, her “15 minutes of fame” as she would say.

Phyllisan had a love of music and was proficient on the violin and clarinet, playing in her high school’s orchestra and band. She was also a pianist and organist and served in that capacity for many years at First Baptist Church in Cape Coral.  She also directed the church’s TV Ministry as well as operating the video and sound equipment for the productions.

Phyllisan is survived by her children, Roger (Vicki) West, William (Denise) West and Catherine (John) Weekley; five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She is preceded in passing by her parents, and her husband.

Phyllisan will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan, with her late husband. There will be a graveside service on Tuesday, June 13, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Phyllisan’s name to a charity of your choice. To view Phyllisan’s personalized guestbook, please visit, https://www.langelands.com