Phyllis Janet Allen, 86, of Frankfort, Indiana passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2023, after a short illness with her loving family by her side.

Born March 5, 1937, in Boone County, Indiana, the daughter of Donald and Helen Hedge (née Krukewitt), Phyllis moved with her parents, brothers, and sisters to Lebanon, Indiana in 1949. The oldest of 6 children, she graduated from Lebanon High School in 1956, married Carl William Allen, and moved to Frankfort, Indiana.  She then attended Huffer Beauty College in Lafayette. Once her two kids were grown, Phyllis served the residents of the Mulberry Lutheran Home as a beautician for many years; the clients and their families appreciated the extra care and attention she would provide.  Phyllis also owned and operated her own hair styling business, A New Beginning, for several years.

When Phyllis was a young mother, the phrase “stay-at-home-mom” didn’t exist.  It was the norm for women to stay home with the kids while their husbands worked.  Even by the standards of the time, Phyllis was an extraordinary wife and mother.  She cared deeply for her family and neighbors.  Her entire life was about service and putting the needs of others ahead of her own; she was always the first to offer to help, in the community or in the classroom at Woodside Elementary School.  Phyllis regularly brought meals to the homes of sick or grieving neighbors.  She also ensured every child who visited her home was safe, happy, and well-fed.  The compassion shown by Phyllis lives on through the countless lives she touched.

Phyllis enjoyed a wide range of activities to include cooking, sewing, gardening, fishing, teaching, watching basketball, canning vegetables, playing board games, and spending time with her family.  The holidays were always special to her as she relished making meals and desserts for family members; everyone looked forward to her homemade noodles.  Phyllis was also childlike in her enthusiasm for the first snow of the season.  She never lost her zest for life, learning, and family.

Visitation and Services

Visitation will be Saturday August 19, 2023, 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort, with a funeral service at 2:00 pm. Burial at Bunnell Cemetery will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Clinton County Humane Society, P.O. Box 455, Frankfort, IN 46041.

Survived by:

her children, Carlena Jo “Jody” Davis, Carl David Allen (Julie), her brother John Hedge (Patsy), sisters Ann Richards and Martha Davidson, grandchildren Billy Allen (Beth), Katie Allen, and Jana Engleking, great-grandchildren Olivia Allen, Alex Engleking, Joseph Engleking, and Amy Engleking, sister-in-law Nancy Richey-Fox, as well as numerous nephews and nieces who loved her dearly.

Preceded by:

her parents, a sister Lois Higinbotham, and a brother James Hedge.