Phyllis J. French, 76, of Marion, died Friday morning, Aug. 21, 2015, at her home.
She was born Aug. 7, 1939, in Seymour to Paul W. and Martha (Julian) Rigsbee.
She was a 1957 graduate of Marion High School and graduated from Marion College with a Bachelor of Science in education. She earned a Master of Science in hearing and speech from Ball State University. She worked for the Marion Community School Corporation for more than 40 years, teaching at Kendall Elementary School. She was a member of Indiana State Teachers Association and a lifetime member of the National Education Association.
Mrs. French was a member of First Friends Church in Marion, where she played hand bells, sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. She also served as clerk at the church and was a member of Ministry and Oversight. She also served on the Missions Commission and the Little Friends Daycare board. She was a member of Tri Kappa Gamma Rho Chapter and also Lyric Club. She was also actively involved in the Marion Civic Theater.
Survivors include a son, James Michael French, of Marion; two brothers, Phillip (Shirley) Rigsbee and Don (Carol) Rigsbee, both of Marion; a sister, Janice (Thomas) Kulczyk, of Jonesboro; and two granddaughters, Hannah French and Emma French.
Calling is Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2015, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at First Friends Church, 2211 N. Wabash Rd., Marion. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2015, at 10 a.m. with Rev. Bob Garra and Rev. Jeff Nagel officiating. Burial will be in Gardens of Memory in Huntington County.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice, in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 W. Park Drive, Huntington, Indiana 46750.
Friends may share an online tribute on the guestbook at www.baileylove.com.