Dec2010 PHYLLIS ELIZABETH STUBBINGS
24/8/37 – 12/10/10
She grew up on the family farm, near the waterfalls, at Mt Pleasant (now known as Tudor Downs).
Phyllis would ride to school at Dayboro on her horse “Binky” with Mary Rowley (Rosphergarith), and on her way home she was always greeted by her Border Collie dog, which would jump up on her horse and hitch a ride home.
Phyl boarded with her Aunty Sis and Uncle Ted in Paddington and went to Brisbane Girls Grammar. She talked lovingly of her favourite Aunty who had a big impact on her life.
When Norm and Aggie retired, they moved to Redcliffe and Phyl moved there with them, and worked in the Commonwealth Bank.
Laurie and Phyllis first crossed paths whilst travelling on the Dayboro Bus Service, but they never actually met until they both attended one of the local dances. Phyllis had been named “Colleen” of the ball, and it was from this moment on that romance blossomed. Phyllis just loved to dance and they both attended many dances throughout the years, and she was particularly fond of the Cloudland Dances, and was devastated when it was demolished.
They were married at Redcliffe on 11th October, 1958, and began their life together on Laurie’s Family farm at Mt Pleasant. Working together side by side since then raising 3 children, Malcolm, Kevin and Karen. Small communities like Dayboro survive on volunteers to run the many different organisations, Phyllis certainly did her fair share being involved with the, Rodeo Assn and Mt Pleasant Hall. Phyllis was also a Foundation Member of the Dayboro Pony Club and a Life Member of Dayboro Show Society reflecting her extraordinary commitment over many years.
Phyllis was one of the most selfless people you would ever meet, always putting other people’s needs before her own, particularly making sure her family was ok. She loved the simplest things in life, like doing her morning crosswords whilst having a cuppa. Everyone was always welcome to come in for a cuppa, which would often last long enough to turn into a meal. Phyllis loved to bake, getting the Grandkids to help whenever they were around. Phyllis loved music, and particularly enjoyed playing the organ, teaching the Grandkids to appreciate music early in life. Gardening was another of her talents, turning her garden into a haven for birds, and just recently took immense pleasure in the return of honeysuckle finches, which she had not seen for years. King Parrots were her favourite visitors, but also she had a pair of Tawny Frogmouth, that came back every year with their young.
In 1997, they retired from Dairying. Only to start breeding Limousins, with which they travelled to Rockhampton and Roma, selling Stud Bulls. There is always something to do with the cattle, but again, she loved getting in there and helping. When it got too hard for her to ride a horse, Phyl then graduated to the Four Wheeler Bike. She loved beetling around the farm on the Bike, with her dog on the back, and quite often a Grandkid on the front. That was how she came to help on her last day, on her four wheeler, to help fix fences, as always by Laurie’s side.
Laurie and Phyllis started travelling, becoming “Grey Nomads” travelling around Australia, always in the company of “Blue” the stuffed cattle dog and “Noddy” the Gnome, and other good friends, with whom they shared many happy memories. A couple of years ago Laurie and Phyll also went on a cruise to Japan, the highlight was seeing the Cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Laurie and Phyl celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 2008 with many wonderful family and friends, and had just celebrated their 52nd Anniversary, recently by being flooded in.
We will miss her smile, her welcoming arms, her calming influence.
Our Grandma
With love in her eyes
and the motorbike rides
She teaches us to cook
without using a book
she was by our side
time by time
down in the creek
was just our little treat
catching all the fish
always serving up a great dish
she had the most amazing gardening powers
and always produced the most beautiful flowers
there was never a doubt
when grandma was about
she shared the love for music
as she walked around the house singing the same old song
and it got stuck in our heads all day long
we may shed tears
and she can no longer fight our fears
but the love in our hearts
will forever last
all of the times we went through
we will always remember you.
