Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and dear friend, Phill Ann “Mimi” Workman, 91, passed away on Saturday, July 4th, 2026 (our nation’s 250th birthday) surrounded by family and friends.

Phillis Fruchey—later Phill Ann, and eventually preferring “Mimi”—was born on February 8th, 1935 in the nation’s capital city of Washington D.C. In time, her parents Don and Rebecca Fruchey eventually moved their family west to California, settling in El Monte in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley.

The oldest living child of 8, (Arnold, Lou, Doris, Ron (Butch), Don, Dottie LaGreca, and Chuck) Mimi learned early in life how to manage a family. Cooking, cleaning and tending to the needs of others became hallmarks of Mimi’s later life. Beyond her capacity for hard work, Mimi had a profound sense of style and elegance. Her siblings, sons and daughters, and anyone lucky enough to go “shopping” with Mimi learned quickly that looking good was essential to feeling good.

After graduating from El Monte High School Mimi married in 1953. She was blessed with 4 wonderful children—Dave, Don, Deb and Dee Dee. Later, two additional children, Kevin and Allyson, joined the growing family.

To contribute to the family economy, Mimi utilized her management skills and attention to detail working as a receptionist and office manager in two different doctors’ offices. Blessed with a marvelous memory and a knack for managing facts and figures, Mimi’s professional talents remained vibrant throughout her life.

In 1987 Mimi was fortunate to meet “the love of her life,” Art Workman, on a blind date in Virginia. Within a year they were married and began their adventurous life together. Among Mimi’s happiest memories is their month-long honeymoon in Europe. Mimi’s love for learning new things was insatiable. Soon after returning from their European experience, they left for Hawaii and enjoyed another two weeks there before celebrating their wedding reception at her sister’s (Dottie) home in California.

Early in their marriage Art discovered Mimi’s love for dancing. It wasn’t uncommon for Art and Mimi to enjoy dinner and dancing at a local club, often visiting two to three times per week. Affectionate, caring, and kind Mimi cherished her time together with Art. Affable and outgoing, Mimi made friends easily and cherished them. Neighbors often became her dearest friends.

Undertaking a variety of different business interests in Texas, Nevada, and later in Utah, Mimi found her greatest joy while traveling with Art as a long-haul truck driver. From 2008 until 2014 Mimi and Art traveled the country together—Art driving while Mimi navigated, planned, and nurtured.

In 2014, Mimi’s arthritic condition worsened making it nearly impossible for her to continue their happy life together on the road. Thankfully, Mimi had the gift of faith and loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all of its richness and majesty as well as the prophets and apostles, past and present. Throughout her many frequent and varied physical health challenges, Mimi’s love for and belief in a merciful God helped her to remain optimistic, hopeful, and resilient. Her strength, courage, and profound gratitude to anyone offering her the smallest service are among her most endearing virtues. Thank you for making this world a better place, Mimi. May God be with you until we meet again!

Mimi is survived by her husband, Art, and children Dave (Terri), Don (Evelia), Deb (Chris), and Dee Dee (Bill), Kevin, and Allyson, 15 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings Arnold, Lou, Doris, Ron, and her sweet granddaughter, Jamie. The family is grateful to the doctors, nurses, and aides whose care contributed to extending her life and making her as comfortable as possible.

Services will be Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 10:00 am at Freeman Funeral Home with burial following at Community Memorial Gardens, Wayne, WV.

Freeman Funeral Home is in charge of the services.