Phyllis Gail Overeem
Phyllis Overeem was born in Oxnard, California on March 3, 1935. She was the oldest child of Phillip Philbrook and Virginia Fasching Philbrook. She graduated from Oxnard High School in 1953, went to Ventura Community College, where she met her husband, Wilhelm (Bill) Overeem, and finished her teaching degree at San Jose State. After graduation Phyllis and Bill got married in Oxnard, California, and moved to Berkley, California where Bill completed a Master’s Degree of Optometry from UC Berkley. They welcomed their first child, Eric, in 1957. They moved to Camarillo, California and had another son, Kurt in 1960, and their daughter, Gretchen, was born in 1963. They moved to Santa Barbara in 1966, where Phyllis lived until her passing.
Phyllis went home to be with the Lord on August 1, 2025 at the age of 90. She was a dedicated wife, mother, daughter, and sister. She was involved with her children’s activities, including Indian Guides, Campfire Girls, and Sunday school. Phyllis’ faith in Jesus was central in her life and directed her path while she lived. She enjoyed attending a women’s bible study for many years and found her closest friends while being a part of Christian Women’s Fellowship.
Phyllis had many hobbies over the years including reading, gardening, basket weaving, rock and beach glass collecting, and long drives with Bill.
Phyllis was devoted to her family, including her husband of 45 years, their 3 children, their spouses, and 7 grandchildren.
Phyllis was proceeded in death by her son Kurt, her husband Bill, her parents Phil and Ginny Philbrook, her sister Betsey Fennel, her brother Dave Philbrook, and sister-n-law Kay Philbrook. She is survived by her son Eric Overeem, daughter Gretchen Lake, son-in-law Chris Lake as well as her grandchildren Blake and Danielle Overeem, Rebecca Lake and McKinley Morrow, Daniel and Lainey Lake, Anna Lake, Merhawi Lake, Sarah Lake, and Micah Lake.
A memorial service will be held at the Natural History Museum, Broder Building, 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA on Saturday, November 22, from 2-4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens.
