Phyllis Ann Henderson, 84, a former Kokomo, Ind. resident, died February 16, 2020 at Wesley Manor. She was born June 29, 1935 in Frankfort, Ind. to Cecil and Grace (Sexton) Dearth. She met the love of her life, Carroll Elden Henderson, on a Greyhound bus trip from Frankfort to Purdue in Lafayette. About two years later they were married at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Frankfort on Aug. 26, 1956. Carroll proceeded her in death on December 16, 2019.
Phyllis was a 1953 graduate of Frankfort High School. She worked for Western Union Telegraph for 9 years after graduation. She was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church, Kokomo, Ind. and was actively involved in the United Methodist Women’s Circle for a number of years. Phyllis enjoyed traveling with family and attending Kokomo Wildkat basketball games. She remained a Kokomo High School enthusiast even when unable to attend sporting events.
Phyllis was a loving sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She continually modeled leadership, strength of character, and resolve to her daughters and grandchildren, and she leaves a legacy of commitment to family and traditions. The “Dearth girls”, as the six sisters were commonly called, grew up with and nurtured a bond with one another that seems rare by today’s standards. That bond transcends death.
Visitation and Services
Visitation will be 11-12 Noon Friday, February 21, 2020 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. Funeral Celebration will be 12 Noon Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Bunnell Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Main Street United Methodist Church, 830 S. Main St., Kokomo, IN. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com, where you may share a personal message with the family.
Survived by:
Phyllis is survived by her 2 daughters: Cheryl Elaine (Jeff) Dowden, of Noblesville, Michelle Anne Henderson, of Linton; 2 grandchildren: Justin Henderson (Danielle) Dowden, of Noblesville, Lauren Grace Dowden, of Nashville, Tennessee; 1 great-grandchild due in April; 4 sisters: Loretta Watson of Anderson, Mary (Garry) McCutchan of Crawfordsville, Bonnie Dirbas of Mulberry, and Martha (Bill) Moudy of Frankfort; and 1 brother-in-law: Jack Davis of Frankfort; and 10 nieces and nephews and their families.
Preceded by:
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her infant brother Robert Earl Dearth, her youngest sister Patsy J. Davis, and 3 brothers-in-law, Bill Barnett, Tim Dirbas, and Wayne Watson.
Bonnie, so sorry for the loss of your sister.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleDearest Family, Know your hearts are filled with sadness. She so loved “her people” as she used to say. Now she is reunited with some of those “Favorite People”. What wonderful memories your family has and has shared with so many others including us. There will never be another bunch of girls known as “The Dearth Girls”. What a legacy of sisterly and family love they share! Sending prayers of peace and strength. May you find comfort in knowing others are lifting your family in prayers. God Bless – Ron & Erilda
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Facebook Twitter GoogleIt was always a pleasure to see Carroll and Phyllis at the monthly breakfast meetings of the Community First Bank Journey Travel Club in Kokomo. Since we shared acquaintances both in Clinton and Howard counties we always had something to talk about! I appreciated meeting the family when Carroll died in December and looking through the memorabilia you had assembled. May God bless you all as you remember two lives well lived.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleDear Cheryl, Michelle and families. I don’t remember having met you girls, but I am a Cousin to your Mother. I was sadden to receive the news of her passing. Phyllis and I were 15 years apart in age. Your Aunt Pasty & I were closer in age. What I remember most would be our Family Dinners at Christmas. This was always a high light to be with our Aunts, Uncles & Cousins. One year our Dinner was at Uncle Cecil’s & Aunt Grace’s Home. As always, it was a great time of being with family. Though we grew up and went separate ways, we have those precious memories of our Childhood. As I wasn’t able to be with you in December, I will not be able to be with you tomorrow, Friday due to my work schedule. I will be with you and my Dear Cousin’s in thought and Heart, Covering you with Prayers of Comfort and Peace.
Sincerely,
Carole Christine Cook Flynn
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Facebook Twitter GoogleWe’re sorry for your loss. What a legacy!! You all must feel very blessed. The “Dearth girls” were and are, the picture of family and faith. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Esther Fisher & family (Jeff, Susie, Joylene, & Beverly)
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