Phyllis Ann Henderson, 84, a former Kokomo, Ind. resident, died February 16, 2020 at Wesley Manor. She was born June 29, 1935 in Frankfort, Ind. to Cecil and Grace (Sexton) Dearth. She met the love of her life, Carroll Elden Henderson, on a Greyhound bus trip from Frankfort to Purdue in Lafayette. About two years later they were married at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Frankfort on Aug. 26, 1956. Carroll proceeded her in death on December 16, 2019.
Phyllis was a 1953 graduate of Frankfort High School. She worked for Western Union Telegraph for 9 years after graduation. She was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church, Kokomo, Ind. and was actively involved in the United Methodist Women’s Circle for a number of years. Phyllis enjoyed traveling with family and attending Kokomo Wildkat basketball games. She remained a Kokomo High School enthusiast even when unable to attend sporting events.
Phyllis was a loving sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She continually modeled leadership, strength of character, and resolve to her daughters and grandchildren, and she leaves a legacy of commitment to family and traditions. The “Dearth girls”, as the six sisters were commonly called, grew up with and nurtured a bond with one another that seems rare by today’s sta
ndards. That bond transcends death.
Phyllis is survived by her 2 daughters: Cheryl Elaine (Jeff) Dowden, of Noblesville, Michelle Anne Henderson, of Linton; 2 grandchildren: Justin Henderson (Danielle) Dowden, of Noblesville, Lauren Grace Dowden, of Nashville, Tennessee; 1 great-grandchild due in April; 4 sisters: Loretta Watson of Anderson, Mary (Garry) McCutchan of Crawfordsville, Bonnie Dirbas of Mulberry, and Martha (Bill) Moudy of Frankfort; and 1 brother-in-law: Jack Davis of Frankfort; and 10 nieces and nephews and their families.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her infant brother Robert Earl Dearth, her youngest sister Patsy J. Davis, and 3 brothers-in-law, Bill Barnett, Tim Dirbas, and Wayne Watson.
Visitation will be 11-12 Noon Friday, February 21, 2020 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. Funeral Celebration will be 12 Noon Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Bunnell Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Main Street United Methodist Church, 830 S. Main St., Kokomo, IN. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com, where you may share a personal message with the family.