Phyllis J. Frey

Phyllis Jane Frey, 94, of Goshen formerly of Shipshewana, passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2019 at Greencroft Healthcare.

Born November 7, 1924 in LaGrange County, she was the youngest of ten children born to Alvin and Fannie (Miller) Frey.  Her siblings, who have preceded in death include; Alta (Harold) Whitehead, Floyd (Iola) Frey, Ella (Everett) Lantz, Mary Ann (Elvon) Kauffman, Harry (Hettie) Frey, Fern (Bill) Miller, Albert, Rollin (Florence) Frey and Mabel (Perry) Bontrager.

She is survived by 11 nieces and nephews and many cousins.

Phyllis was a life-long and active member of Forks Mennonite Church, Middlebury.  She led congregational singing for more than 50 years, taught Sunday School and served in numerous committees and organizations, including Mennonite Women.

Phyllis attended Shipshewana schools from first grade through high school, graduating in 1946.  She attended Goshen College in 1946, but was unable to complete her degree at that time.  Over a 13-year period, she worked for Lupolds Grocery, Shipshewana and Krider Nurseries, Middlebury, and for her brother-in-law at Middlebury Grain.

Phyllis returned to Goshen College and completed a degree in home economics, graduating in 1963.  She taught in the Shipshewana school system, later known as the Westview Corporation, for 23 years.  Besides classroom teaching she was a class sponsor and leader of various extra-curricular groups.  She completed her Master’s degree at the University of Illinois in home economics in 1970.

Phyllis expressed her love of music as a member of the Middie Singers, the Little Choir, and later the Evergreen Singers at Greencroft.  She served in international service assignments with Mennonite Central Committee in Jamaica and Israel and as a hostess at the International Guest House in Washington D.C.  Phyllis also volunteered at Menno Hof and Ten Thousand Villages, locally.  She enjoyed travel in Germany, Holland, Scandinavia, Russia and the Philippines as well as various locations in the United States.  All of her travels, education and service opportunities broadened her view of the world and of humanity.  She cultivated a balance between the spiritual and professional dimensions of her life.

Phyllis will be remembered fondly as an aunt, cousin, teacher and friend.  She shared her gifts, abilities and life experiences in ways that left a positive impact on everyone who knew and loved her.

Family and friends will gather for visitation and reflection Monday, May 6, 2019 from 9 to 10 a.m. prior to the 10:30 a.m. memorial service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, 1911 S. Main St., Goshen.

Interment will follow at Shore Cemetery, Shipshewana.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Mennonite Central Committee, Goshen College or Mennonite Mission Network.