Phyllis J. Keiser

Phyllis Jean Barnhart' Keiser, 85, of Lafayette passed on to glory, Saturday, November 8, 2014, at Creasy Springs Health Campus. She was born August 7, 1929 in Buck Creek, IN to the late Everett and Emma Barnhart. On August 25, 1950 she married Donald L. Keiser in Lafayette. He proceeded her in death a short eight months earlier. Phyllis was a homemaker. She studied music at Manchester College. She loved music and sang in a gospel trio, the Gospel Tones for several years. She also was a highly sought after soloist in the community. She and Don farmed in Tippecanoe County early in their marriage. While living in Lafayette, Phyllis led and sang in the church choir at First Reformed Church. Don retired in 1999 and they enjoyed several years and trips together, traveling to forty-nine states as well as Canada in their motor home. She was a member of Heartland Community Church, formerly First Reformed Church, Lafayette, prior to retiring in Florida. While living in Florida she was a member of First United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda and the Live Oak Church in Arcadia where she directed the choir for many years. Phyllis enjoyed outdoor walks, reading, boating, and traveling. Most of all, she was a lover of music, especially old hymns and Southern Gospel music. She and Don enjoyed their retirement in Florida. Phyllis walked the park, chatting with the many friends they had met while living there. As two of the first residents, they grew to love that community dearly. Phyllis was a devoted and loving mother. Her legacy lives on in the five children she raised. Surviving are her daughters Nancy Dase (Bill) of Wheatfield, IN, Donna Keiser (Ricky Keifer) of Lafayette, IN, Colleen Chiverton of Lafayette, IN, Vickie Buck (Tom) of Lafayette, IN, and son, Bryan Keiser (Kathy) of Monticello, IN, 11 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren and 6 step-great grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister Evelyn Keir of Allentown, PA. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM Friday, November 14th at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. A Memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 15th at Heartland Community Church, 3900 E 300 N with Pastor Albert Vander Meer officiating. A luncheon will follow the service. A private, graveside service will be held at Rest Haven Memorial Park. Those wishing may contribute to the Live Oak Church, 12865 SW Hwy 17, Arcadia, Florida 34269 in Phyllis' memory.