TIPPECANOE – Mrs. Phyllis May Martin, 89, Tippecanoe, passed away unexpectedly at 2:05 p.m. Aug. 28, 2016, at her residence. She was born May 12, 1927, in Marshall County. She was the cherished daughter of Clark A. and Elsie Ruth Lozier Reed. On Feb. 4, 1961, in Tippecanoe, she married William E. Martin, who died June 7, 1995. They enjoyed over 34 years of life's adventures while raising three wonderful children, Roger, Julia and Marla. Growing up as the youngest of seven children, she shared her childhood with five sisters and a brother. With great pride she graduated from Tippecanoe High School with the class of 1945. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Dressing chickens and candling eggs for the Tippecanoe Produce Store was where Phyllis began her employment. Later, with her astute culinary talents, she was a member of the Tippecanoe School cafeteria team. She then served Triton Schools as head cook. During her watch, she was pleased to maintain an annual balanced budget, while preparing delicious home-style food for the students. A life-long resident of Tippecanoe, this vibrant lady of perpetual motion always made herself available to help her community. A loyal and devoted member of the Tippecanoe Community Church, she organized the church dinners and altar flowers. She was counted on by the Fire Department Auxiliary, helping with bake sales and fish fries. As an adventurer, she and Bill enjoyed traveling to a variety of destinations. Their most memorable locales were trips to Alaska and Hawaii. Their summer fishing trips to Minnesota were enjoyed by the family, making memories and catching the limit! She is remembered for her twinkling warm brown eyes, ability to be thrifty, making a budget work and for her spirited banty-rooster like attitude. From her kitchen command post, grandma was delighted to prepare special family requests. Among their favorites are her crispy fried chicken, steaming hot mashed potatoes, delicious beef and noodles, chicken and noodles. She was also known for her famous potato salad. No meal was complete without dessert and she delivered with German chocolate cake topped with thick icing or a warm cherry pie served straight from the oven. Her pie crust was second to none, light, flakey and made with real lard! Aunt Phyllis cherished the time spent with her nieces and nephews. Most recently her favorite way to relax was to sit in her recliner under her blanket. An avid fan of the Argos Lady Dragons basketball team, she was courtside cheering wildly on their 2016 march to the 1A state finals. She is lovingly remembered by two daughters, Julia Anne (and spouse Gary "Butch”) Teel, Mentone, and Marla Jo (and spouse Rodney) Kreft, Tippecanoe; a son, Roger Allen (and spouse Sandy) Moriarty, Mentone; 10 grandchildren: Amy Zimpelman, Stephen Allen Moriarty, Stephanie O'Brien, Brooke Craft, Danielle Holland, Kylie Bailey; Linsey, Brett, Drew and Matthew Kreft; 18 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter, Reghan Nellans; a great-granddaughter, Jenna Holland; five sisters: Faye Menser, Dorothy Hagan, Jean Smith, Lois Wheadon, Marion Haab; and a brother, Ernie Reed. A celebration of the life of Phyllis M. Martin will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester, with Pastor George Shoemaker officiating. Interment will be in the Tippecanoe Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. today and one hour prior to the service Thursday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials to Tippecanoe Fire Department, Tippecanoe Improvement Association, State Road 331, Tippecanoe, IN 46570; Tippecanoe Improvement Association, 18541 State Road 331, Tippecanoe, IN 46570; Tippecanoe Community Church, 2940 18 B Road, Tippecanoe, IN 46570; or the donor’s choice. Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.goodfa ilyfh.com
