Sedate Phillips

In Loving Memory of Sedate Phillips (née Kulow)

March 15, 1926 – August 28, 2025

I was born on March 15, 1926 in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up in Sherman, New York. Some of my happiest childhood memories were spent at Mullett Lake Village, Michigan, where my Grandpa Silliman built one of the first summer cottages back in 1890. As a teenager, I even hitchhiked there with my mom once—an adventure I never forgot. One summer, I worked as a waitress at the Pine Grove Hotel, never dreaming that one day I would raise my own family in the house just across the street. Summers at the lake were sacred, simple, and sweet.

After high school, my parents and I moved to Aloha, Michigan, where they worked on the Caruso Ranch, across the lake from Grandpa Silliman’s cottage. I got to come back to my precious Mullett lake and unbeknownst to me would bring the happiest days of my life! Later, I became a telephone operator with Michigan Bell, and it was there that I met the love of my life, Elmer Phillips, who worked as a lineman. We married on February 4, 1948, and made our lives in Cheboygan. We soon welcomed our children; Patricia (Patti) and Mark. Our new lives together were exciting, busy and happy! Then in 1954, we discovered the home of our dreams in Mullett Lake Village. There we welcomed our third child Kathleen (Kathy). In our back yard was an authentic log cabin that was built in 1906. Coincidentally the cabin served as the chicken coop for the same Pine Grove Hotel that I worked as a teen! “The Coop”, became Elmer’s workshop or man cave. The coop added another center for activities and memories. It still stands solid and healthy to this day.

I was happiest at home—gardening, sewing, baking, and caring for both my family and our animals. I always believed a home should be full of warmth, and ours was: the smell of cookies fresh from the oven, hot meals after a day on the ski slopes, and the “utility room”, kitchen table always open for coffee, conversation, and laughter. Even the neighborhood dogs knew they could count on me for a treat.

We loved family camping trips, Mullett Lake activities, card games with friends, holidays and family gatherings filled with decorations and joy. Music was always part of my life—I sang semi-professionally when I was young, and later just for the joy of it at home. After Elmer retired, we traveled together to visit Navy buddies, children, and grandchildren across the country. No matter where we went, though, our hearts always led us back to Mullett Lake.

Later, I found joy working as the clerk and then postmaster at the Mullett Lake Village Post Office, just two doors down from home. For 13 years, I greeted neighbors, swapped stories, and enjoyed being part of the fabric of our little community.

When Elmer passed in 2002, I stayed in our home surrounded by dear friends, wildlife, and happy memories. I filled my days with word puzzles, birdwatching, snow shoveling (yes, even into my late 80s!), and playing “Skittles” with my dear friend Martha and neighbors. My loyal dogs Daisy and Sally were always by my side.

I leave behind my beloved daughters and the joy of 4 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Patti (David) Phillips Vincent and David Vincent; my grandchildren, Chris (Jenny) Vincent and their children Ryan, Tyler, Christian, and Austin; Jason Vincent; Adam (Misty) Vincent and their children, Aiden, Ashton, and Ansley; Kathy (Phillips) Caldwell and her son, Duncan (Carol) Caldwell, and their children, Adele and Ronan.

On August 28, 2025, surrounded by love in the home that held my heart, peacefully and with abiding faith, I left this world. I am grateful for the life I was given, the family and friends who filled it, and the little joys that made every day beautiful. My heart was happy and content in Mullett Lake Village—my heaven on Earth—and now I am reunited, restored, and rejoicing.

Mom would be honored and thrilled to carry on her love and care of Mullet Lake and critters. The family requests, if you would like to honor or in memory of Sedate, that they be made to:

• MAPS…Mullett Lake Area Preservation Society: Mullettlakemaps.org Mail: MAPS. PO Box 517, Topinabee, MI, 49791
• Cheboygan County Humane Society: Cheboyganhumanesociety.org. Mail: 1536 E. Hackleburg Road, Cheboygan, MI 49721

A Celebration of life will be at her beloved Mullett Lake and home in the summer of 2026-her 100th year. Save the date notices will be forthcoming…