Phyllis Jean Kingery

Phyllis Jean Kingery, age 87, Logansport, passed away at 11:15 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, in Miller’s Merry Manor.

Born November 11, 1929, in Connersville, she was the daughter of Byron Perry and Mildreth Irene Jackson Smith.

On December 17, 1960, in Center Christian Church in Rush County, she was married to Charles Kingery, who preceded her in death on June 29, 2000.

Phyllis graduated in 1948 from Mays High School in Rush County. She was a 1954 of Butler University, where she graduated in the top 10% of her class with a BS in Education and Library Science. In spite of being a graduate of Butler, she was a diehard supporter of Indiana University athletics. Some people still remember Phyllis dressed in red from head to toe on IU game day. 

For one year, prior to attending Butler, she attended Texas University for Women in Denton, where she studied English Literature. In Logansport she taught at the following schools, Twelve Mile, Lincoln, Logansport High and Fairview. She had also taught at her alma mater, Mays High School, prior to accepting teaching positions in Cass County schools.

Phyllis was very active in varied organizations in the Logansport and Cass County Community. She was a board member of the following organizations, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Iron Horse Festival, American Cancer Society and American Heart Association. She was also a member of the Logansport Art Association and Psi Iota Xi sorority, both for many years.

She was an active supporter of the Cass County Community Foundation and served with dedication as the honorary chair of “Friends of the Foundation”, the Foundation’s adjunct group. On November 19, 2006, she received the Richard W. Cassidy “Thanks for Giving” award.

In additional accomplishments and activities, Phyllis received the Indiana Mental Health Association’s “Volunteer of The Year” award in 1963. She volunteered in Mary Dykeman Guild’s Gift Shop at Logansport Memorial Hospital, and also volunteered for the Iron Horse Festival’s Mayor’s Breakfast, Railroaders’ Breakfast and Golf Tournament. Phyllis also enjoyed golfing at least twice a week during the season. She especially enjoyed reading, speaking and solving crossword puzzles.

Since 1941 Phyllis has been a member of River of Life Christian Church.

Surviving are an aunt, Elizabeth Ray, Rushville; sister-in-law. Eileen Slifer, Twelve Mile; nieces, Anita Boldry and Donita Hook; numerous cousins.

Preceding her in death were aunts, Marie Jeffries and Helen Jackson; brother-in-law, Howard Slifer, Jr.; nephew, Charles Slifer;

A funeral service and celebration of Phyllis’ life will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at Kroeger Funeral Home, with Reverend Paula Neibert officiating.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14th, prior to the funeral service, at Kroeger Funeral Home. The Psi Iota Xi Sorority will conduct a Memorial Service at 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, also at the funeral home.

Interment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.

Family and friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.kroegerfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cass County Community Foundation, PO Box 441, or River of Life Christian Church, 130 Mall Road, both Logansport 46947.