Phyllis May Blankenhorn, 84, of Mishawaka, passed away at 2:10 pm, Saturday, October 15, 2011 in her home surrounded by family. Phyllis was born on August 10, 1927, the daughter of the late Bill and Erma (Nicolai) Byland. On September 18, 1948, in Kirksville, MO, she married Paul C. Blankenhorn. He passed away on December 2, 2002. She is also preceded in death by a daughter, Judy Hopper, who passed away on October 14, 2009.
Phyllis is survived by three children, Gail (Michael) Stroh of South Bend, James Blankenhorn of Mishawaka and Richard Blankenhorn of Mishawaka; four grandchildren, John Hopper, Jenni (Steve) McElwaine, Tammy (Jason) Brezinski, and Scott Stroh; and eight great grandchildren, Damon, Ashley, Libby, Katlyn, David, John, Jr., Paul, and Valerie. She is also survived by a sister, Norma (Jim) Crafton of Syracuse, IN, sister in law, Gail Textor of Alpena, MI, and brother in law, Bob James of Sturgis, MI.
During the depression, her family moved the family farm north of Syracuse. After graduating from high school, she went to Kirksville, MO to attend nurses training for two years. This is where she met her husband, Paul. They moved to South Bend and raised their family. Phyllis was very involved in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Campfire Girls, where she touched to lives of many girls. She enjoyed traveling, singing and making pickles and candles. She always looked forward to her annual Christmas open house.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 pm, Wednesday, October 19, 2011 in Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, October 20, 2011 in the funeral home with burial to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.
The family prefers memorials to be made to Southern Care Hospice, 310 W. McKinley, Ste 340, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

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