Phyllis Joan Nelkie, age 81, of East Tawas passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2011, at Tawas St. Joseph Hospital. Phyllis was born on Jan. 28, 1930, to Edward and Edith (nee Koppelman) Backman. She graduated from John J. Pershing High School in the Class of 1948. After high school, Phyllis went on to further study and graduate from the Detroit Institute of Business. Prior to her marriage and beginning her family, she worked many years for the D&M Railway Corporation. Phyllis married her husband, Anthony "Tony" S. Nelkie on June 16, 1962. Together, they owned and operated the Nelkie Dairy business, where Phyllis worked primarily as a bookkeeper. She had many fond interests in life; however, Phyllis truly enjoyed golfing, bowling leagues, gardening, canning, sewing, reading and, for many years, hunting. Phyllis will also be remembered as a very active parishioner and volunteer at Holy Family Catholic Church. She is now survived by her three loving children, Diane (Scott) Morrison of Coldwater, Linda (Jim) Huck of Fenton and Bruce Nelkie of East Tawas; grandchildren, Maggie Morrison, Sean Huck, Sam Morrison, Dylan­ Huck and Carter Nelkie; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony "Tony" S. Nelkie, who passed away Jan. 21, 2000; and her brother, Donald Backman. Per her wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial Mass will be held for Phyllis today (Wednesday) at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in East Tawas with the Rev. Fr. Charles Donajkowski officiating. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church today (Wednesday) before the Mass from 10 until 11 a.m. Her family also welcomed friends at Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City on Tuesday, July 26, from 4 to 8 p.m. The Rosary was prayed Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to Holy Family Catholic School, 411 Wilkinson St., East Tawas, Michigan 48730. An on-line guest registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.