Phylis Ann Thomas

Phylis Ann was born April 13, 1947 in Oklahoma City to Luther and Cecelia (Johnson) Wahwasuck. After graduating high school in Denver, she enlisted in the US Army. She proudly served a year in Long Binh Post, Vietnam, and obtained the rank of Spec 5 before being discharged. During her military service, Phylis met and married Raymond Erlichman, and together they had three sons.

Later, Phylis divorced and moved to Mayetta, Kansas, where she worked for the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Indians, and where the boys grew up and attended school. Phylis attended school as well, obtaining a degree from Washburn University. She married Marlin Thomas, but they later divorced. In 1995 Phylis moved to the Sault Ste Marie area where she was warmly welcomed as family by the Anishnaabe community. She loved arts and crafts, particularly sewing, she became well known as a seamstress having an eye for design and color. Over the years she created many ribbon shirts and skirts for friends, family and anyone else who asked.

Phylis was a member of the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Indians, as well as a lifetime and charter member of the We-Te-Se American Legion Post 410 In Mayetta, Kansas. She was a member of the traditional Drum Religion.

Phylis was predeceased by her parents, a son Brian Erlichman, and brother, Douglas Wahwasuck. She is survived by a sister, Donna Wahwasuck; sons Ashley Erlichman (Jeannie Reffruschinni) and Jordan Erllichman (Jackie Peterson); grandchilren Zachary Erlichman, Brandon Erlichman, Joseph Reffruschinni, Ashley Reffruschinni and Amber Kuhl; great grandchildren Kasen, Kalin, Colin, Maci, Kylyn, Sophia and Hudson; numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 11:00 – 1:00 pm December 31, 2021 at the C.S. Mulder Funeral Home, with a traditional pipe service to follow at 1:00 pm.  Following the service, lunch will be served at the Sault Tribe’s  Niigaanagiizhik Ceremonial Building.