MILFORD — Phylis Ann Barthel, 72, Milford, walked into eternity Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, at Goshen Hospital.
She was born to Harold and Lillian Koch on April 18, 1945, in Evergreen Park, Ill. Phylis graduated from Dwight D. Eisenhower High School with the class of 1963. She married Jack E. Barthel Jr. on Aug. 14, 1965, in Blue Island, Ill.
Phylis worked as a preschool teacher for nine years in Oak Forest, Ill. After moving to the Milford community, she became a very active member of Wawasee Community Bible Church and served as the administrative secretary there for many years. She also enjoyed being involved in various ministries, especially the kitchen ministry.
Phylis was a great cook and she loved to serve her family and friends, with all food groups represented. Over the years, she faithfully made about 56,940 meals for her beloved husband, which she recently pointed out as he was boasting over his first meat loaf.
Phylis was a ladies’ lady; her home was always cheerfully decorated for every holiday and the table was set perfectly at every meal. She was very crafty and a talented seamstress who was capable of making something from nothing.
Phylis enjoyed researching genealogy as well in her spare time. She also loved social media, and her positive posts will be missed by so many.
Phylis is survived by her husband of 52 years, Jack Barthel, Milford; three children: Brian (Tina) Barthel, Oswego, Ill.; Kelly Barthel, Oak Forest, Ill.; and Jason (Sarah) Barthel, South Bend; six grandchildren: Zachary, Austin, Babbi, Donovan, Brock and Megan; two great-grandchildren, Adrianna and Austin Jr.; and two brothers, Charles (Deb) Koch, Tinley Park, Ill.; and John (Karen) Koch, Frankfurt, Ill.
A funeral service in honor of Phylis was Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Wawasee Community Bible Church, Milford. Pastor Tom Speicher and Pastor Josh Weiland officiated.
Burial was in Milford Cemetery.
Mishler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Milford, assisted the family with arrangements.
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Memorials to Wawasee Community Bible Church, 2035 E 1300 N, Milford, IN 46542.
