Phyllis Bickler passed away on March 1, 2004 at the age of 98. She was born Philippena Axtman on January 3, 1906 in Orrin, North Dakota; the 7th of ten children of Michael and Christina Stausse Axtman. Phyllis married Nicklaus M. Bickler on February 23, 1925 and he preceded her in death on November 22, 1971. After raising their family in Rugby, North Dakota, they moved to Minot where Phyllis worked at J.C Penney in the fabrics dept. for many years. In 1967, the Bicklers moved to San Diego. Phyllis enjoyed gardening, reupholstering, sewing quilts, making Raggedy Ann dolls, knitting, crocheting, and doing crafts. Before Nick passed away, they went fishing almost every day. Phyllis became a San Diego Padres baseball fan when she was 90 and lived in her own apartment until she was 96. Phyllis had two deep devotions: God and her family. She is survived by her five children and their spouses: Elsie and Jack Rettinghouse of San Diego; Isabella and Ken Pommier of Solana Beach; Ed and Ruth Bickler of Velva, North Dakota; Emil and Irene Bickler of Escondido; Ray and Irene Bickler of Poway; three sisters, thirteen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Pacific Beach at 4735 Cass Street on Friday, March 5, at 10:30 p.m. She will be interred with her husband at Holy Cross Mausoleum, 4470 Hilltop Drive. Donations can be made to San Diego Hospice, 4311 Third Ave, SD 92103. "Grandma didn ' t become an angel when she died; she was an angel all her life." Grandma, we ' ll always remember that you love us more! Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com Published in the San Diego Union-Tribune on 3/3/2004.