Phyllis Anne Wilkinson , 93, formally of rural Larwill and Syracuse, passed away in the company of family at 12:40 a.m., Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at Miller's Merry Manor in Warsaw.

Born on October 27, 1931, in Pierceton, Indiana, she was the oldest daughter of the late Dee and Charlotte (Vernette) Cormany.  The family moved to Thorncreek Twp., Whitley County, where she started second grade at Thorncreek School and learned life skills at home, caring for siblings, cooking, and tending a large vegetable garden.  She graduated from Columbia City High School in 1949.

After graduation, she moved to Etna-Troy Twp., began to raise a family, and eventually became the owner-operator of Snyder Standard Gas Station at State Road 5 and Old 30.  In addition to the station, she raised four children and assisted with a small farm.  On January 15, 1966, she was united in marriage to Lawrence O. Wilkinson.  They made their home in Etna-Troy Twp., where she became a stay-at-home mom caring for the couple's 6 children.  When her own children were all in school, she and Lawrence babysat for other neighborhood children. Some came for breakfast until they graduated high school.  Lawrence died on September 25, 2001.

Always busy, Phyllis used her sewing and cooking skills to keep her family clothed and well-fed.  After her children were grown, she turned her great affection for children, to volunteering with the church's youth group.  "Grandma Phyllis", as she was known by all, prepared a mid-week evening meal for youth groups at the Nappanee Presbyterian Church, and later at the Syracuse Church of God for a total of 15 years.  At age 82, Phyllis accompanied the youth group on a Mission Trip to Kentucky.  Later in life, she volunteered at MOPs (Mothers Of Pre-school children), rocking and caring for infants to give new mothers a break.  She held a special place in her heart for her grandkids and great-grandkids, babysitting and caring for them.  She was always available to help family members with a smile and a caring word of "I love you".

Surviving are children, Karen (Chuck) Bandelier, and Carl Snyder, both of Columbia City, John (Pat) Snyder of Antwerp, OH, Brenda (Denny) McCormick of Bourbon, Patricia (Matt) Price, and Ryan (Heather) Wilkinson, both of Columbia City; stepchildren, Thomas Wilkinson, Donna (Tom) Reed, and Marsha (Stan) Wallace all of Cromwell; 18 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; a brother Ray (Ardith) Cormany, and sisters, Joyce (Carl "Fritz") Kessie and Nancy Myer all of Columbia City.

She was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Roberta Wilkinson, a step-granddaughter, Chandra Wallace, and a brother, Thomas Cormany.

The funeral service is at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 3rd, at the Troy Presbyterian Church, 6465 W Lincolnway, Columbia City.  Burial is at the Salem Cemetery near Wilmot.  Visitation is from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, and one hour before the church service on Friday.

Memorials in Phyllis's honor are to the Troy Presbyterian Church.