Phyllis C. Elkins, 88, of Wapakoneta, formerly of Plymouth, IN, died 10:12 p.m., Sun. March 2, 2014, at Auglaize Acres.
She was born May 5, 1925, in Plymouth, IN, the daughter of Ford I. & Eva (Lackey) Keyser, who preceded her in death. On May 17, 1947, she married Joseph E. Elkins, Sr., who preceded her in death on Oct. 30, 2013.
Survivors include, five children: Joseph E. (Debbie) Elkins, Jr., Bluffton, IN, William (Janice) Elkins, Wapakoneta, Jayne (Doug) Place, Wapakoneta, Dr. Frederick (Cheryl) Elkins, Bellefontaine, OH, Beverly (Jeff) Ray, Columbus, OH. Along with 10 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, & 22 great grandchildren,
A sister Edna Wagner, Plymouth, IN, a brother-in-law Robert Smith, Mishawaka, IN, and a sister-in-law Jayne Pesch, Plymouth, IN also survive.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Smith and Mary Clouse.
A homemaker, Phyllis was a registered nurse. Along with her husband Joe, she owned and operated the BK Root Beer Stand, Wapakoneta, from 1967 until 1984. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Wapakoneta, and its Mary Hannah Unit. Phyllis was raised in LaPaz, IN, and graduated from Plymouth High School. She also graduated from the St. Margaret’s School of Nursing, Hammond, IN. During W.W. II, she was a member of the Cadet Nurse Corps. While living in Plymouth, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Tri Kappa Sorority. Her hobbies included genealogy, hunting mushrooms, and wintering in Lake Placid, FL. The family will receive friends 4-8 p.m., Thurs. at the Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, and 1 hr. prior to the service, Fri. at the church. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Fri. March 7, 2014, at First United Methodist Church, Wapakoneta, Pastor Kim Pope-Seiberling officiating. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Fri. March 7, in the New Oakhill Cemetery Chapel, Plymouth where the family will receive friends. The Rev. Larry Marhanka of the Plymouth First United Methodist Church will preside.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the First United Methodist Church.