We celebrate Phyllis May Minkwitz, who passed from this life on February 13, 2021 at the age of 98.

Phyllis was born in Vineland, New Jersey, in 1922 to Elijah and Matilda Minkwitz. After graduating from Vineland High School in 1940, Phyllis spent fifteen years working in Vineland as a nurse. A devout Christian, she moved to Marion, Indiana, where she worked at the World Headquarters of the Wesleyan Church until she retired. She served as secretary to church leaders and general superintendents, including Robert McIntyre, Virgil Mitchell, and Earle Wil- son. Following retirement, Phyllis moved to West Lafayette, Indiana, where she spent over twenty years near her family.

Music was always an important part of her life. As a youngster, Phyllis learned to play the piano by ear. She served as church pianist and church organist, and played piano at camp meet- ings and church functions. For many years, she played a rousing rendition of Onward, Chris- tian Soldiers! on a local radio broadcast by the Vineland Wesleyan Church. She sang in church choirs and in a trio with her brother, David, and sister-in-law, Emma, as they toured churches and church events.   Recently, Phyllis entertained nurses and other residents by playing How Great Thou Art and other pieces from memory on the piano at the Mulberry Health Retirement Community in Mulberry, Indiana.

All her life, Phyllis engaged in many forms of needlework, including knitting, crocheting, counted cross stitch, and tatting. She excelled, with incredibly uniform stitches and intricate patterns. She created afghans for family members in addition to other projects, including tatted designs.

One of her most surprising hobbies started after Phyllis retired. One day, she decided to buy oil paints, canvases, and an easel so she could learn landscape painting. Without taking classes, she experimented with scenes, including mountains, forests, and waterways. She created lovely paintings, and won an award. After mastering oil painting, Phyllis went on to work with acrylic paints and watercolors.

Phyllis never married, and joked that her longevity arose from not having a spouse. She was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Olive Stetser. She is survived by her brother, David Minkwitz; nieces, Lois Minkwitz and Elizabeth Amentt; nephews, Wayne Minkwitz and Doug- las Comer; and their families. Phyllis will be buried in Siloam Cemetery in Vineland, New Jer- sey, alongside her parents.

Please join her family and friends in remembering and honoring Phyllis’s enduring faith, out- standing devotion to the church, creativity, many accomplishments, and long life.