Phyllis Anne Kerns

Phyllis Anne (Perazzo) Kerns, 73, of Sun City West, AZ, died on October 7, 2014 of Pulmonary Fibrosis. Phyllis was born in Providence, RI on September 6, 1941 to Anthony and Rose Perazzo. She was raised in San Francisco, CA. Phyllis graduated from Hillsdale High School in San Mateo, CA in 1959. She was married to James (Jim) Kerns for 54 years. Phyllis and her family lived in Rathdrum and Post Falls, ID and Spokane, WA from 1969 until 2007. Phyllis is survived by her husband, Jim, as well as 8 of her 9 children; Cindy Prodoehl (and Peter), Ft Myers, FL; Kevin Kerns (and Cari), Dallas, TX; Mary Snodgrass (and Ryan), Kirkland, WA; Therese Thompson (and Matt), Spokane, WA; Barbara Anderson, Spokane, WA; Joe Kerns (and Carrie), Post Falls, ID; Jennifer Kerns, Halle, Germany; Tim Kerns (and Dacia), Yakima, WA; and 15 grandchildren. She is pre-deceased by her parents, her brother Tony Perazzo in 2011, and her son James Kerns Jr. in 2010. Phyllis was very active in all of her childrens’ school activities and sporting events throughout her lifetime. She was employed at John Brown Elementary school in the 1980s in the Special Education Program. She was President of the Lakeland School PTA, and Chair of the first John Brown Elementary school carnival, which raised enough money for the building of the JBE playground. She was President of the Lakeland Soccer Club in the 1980s. Phyllis co-chaired the LHS Graduation Parties for her first three children. She served on the Board of Directors of the American Legion’s Idaho GEM Girls State, and was the State Chaplin of the Idaho American Legion Auxiliary. Over the years Phyllis directed the choirs at Immaculate Conception Church in Post Falls, St. Thomas and St. Pius X Catholic Churches in Coeur d’Alene, Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in Spokane Valley, and St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Spokane. While in Sun City West, she was active in Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s Guild, RCIA, Respect Life ministries, and served as Vice President of the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary. Phyllis was totally dedicated to her family and church. She was a wonderful wife and mother, nurturing nine strong kids to maturity. She taught by example and earned the love and respect of all who knew her. Viewing will be at Riplinger Funeral Home, 4305 N. Division St., Spokane, from 3-5pm Sunday, concluding with a Rosary Service at 5pm, also at Riplinger. At 6pm there will be a gathering of friends and relatives at the Davenport Hotel Safari Room. Funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral on Monday, October 13, at Noon, followed by burial at the WA State Veterans’ Cemetery in Medical Lake, WA at 2:15pm. Flowers and cards may be sent to The Kerns Family in care of Riplinger Funeral home. The family also requests Masses and prayers be offered for the repose of her soul. Memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014. May She Rest in Peace.