Phyllis Pine, a beacon of community spirit and unwavering dedication, peacefully passed away on July 23, 2025, at her Folsom, California residence within Brookdale Senior Living, her cherished daughter by her side. Born Phyllis Clark in Pomona, California, on March 19, 1941, she was the youngest of four daughters, her early life intertwined with the vibrant orange groves of her childhood home, fostering a deep connection to her Californian roots.
Her formative years in Pomona, marked by joyful play amidst the citrus trees, shaped a resilient and warm character. A few days after graduating from Pomona High School in 1959, Phyllis married Loren Pine, establishing their home in Ontario, California. Their union laid the foundation for a life devoted to family and shared endeavors, a partnership that spanned decades until Loren’s passing in 1994.
Phyllis contributed to the Chino School District for nine years before embracing her primary role as a devoted homemaker upon starting her family. In 1969, she and Loren welcomed their son, Timothy, followed by their daughter, Elizabeth, affectionately known as Lisa, in 1971. This period marked a transition to full-time motherhood, a role she cherished while simultaneously embarking on an unconventional family business.
In 1973, the family relocated to Red Bluff, California, where Phyllis and Loren embarked on a unique entrepreneurial journey: beekeeping. From 1975 to 1985, their ‘Pine Apiaries’ not only harvested and sold local honey but also provided crucial pollination services for Tehama County’s orchards and crops. This remarkable venture also saw them adeptly managing honeybee swarms, showcasing Phyllis’s adventurous spirit and practical dedication.
Phyllis was deeply interwoven into the fabric of the Red Bluff community, dedicating significant time and energy to various initiatives. Alongside her dear friend Mary Johnson, she pioneered Red Bluff’s first gymnastics program in 1979, leaving a lasting legacy for local youth. Later, with Mary and Peachy Harrop, she was instrumental in organizing the inaugural Sober Grad Night at Red Bluff High School in 1987, demonstrating her commitment to student well-being.
Her dedication to service extended to her active membership in the Preceptor Delta Eta chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, a sorority focused on friendship, learning, cultural enrichment, and philanthropy. Phyllis also contributed meaningfully as a member of the Red Bluff chapter of Kiwanis International, finding particular joy in the annual VIP Fishing Day. Furthermore, she volunteered generously with REACH, the Red Bluff Union High School District’s alternative education program, highlighting her profound commitment to education.
A longtime member of High Point Assembly of God Church in Red Bluff, Phyllis found solace and community in its services, Bible studies, and community events, reflecting her strong spiritual foundation. In June 2020, seeking proximity to her daughter, she moved to Folsom, California. Though initially bittersweet, her time at Brookdale Senior Living in Folsom blossomed with new friendships and active participation, including two terms as President of the Residents’ Council, and contributing to the community garden and flower arrangements.
Phyllis Pine’s vibrant spirit, characterized by a caring heart, generous spirit, and delightful sense of humor, will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. She is predeceased by her parents Walter and Mildred Clark, husband Loren Pine, sisters Dorris Hollingsworth and Marguerite Blickenstaff, and son Timothy Pine. Phyllis is survived by her sister Joan Hollingsworth, daughter Elizabeth (“Lisa”) Pine and son-in-law Michael Daack, daughter-in-law Krista Pine, and granddaughter Lauren Pine, along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom carry her enduring legacy.
A memorial service to celebrate Phyllis’s remarkable life will be held on Saturday, August 9th, at 2:00 p.m. at Brookdale Senior Living, located at 780 Harrington Way, Folsom, California. All who cherished and loved Phyllis are invited to attend. In lieu of traditional flowers, the family kindly requests considering a gift in memory of Phyllis Pine to the UC Davis Heart Failure Program. Donations can be made payable to the UC Davis Foundation/ Heart Failure and mailed to PO Box 160186, Sacramento, CA 95816, honoring her compassionate spirit.
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