Phyllis Gearhart, 89, Akron, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, surrounded by those she held most dear.

She was born on Feb. 1, 1928 in Warsaw to her parents, Victor and Ellen Cook. She grew up with 10 brothers and sisters. The family continued to meet and eat together as a family as often as they could for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Ellen Cook; four sisters, Marolyn, Frances, Jeanne and Donna; as well as three brothers, John, Joe and Bob.

Left to carry on the Cook family honor are her sisters, Judy (Frank) Swick and Karolyn (Eddie) Barrus and brother, Norman (Muriel) Cook, who will miss her immensely.

She was a 1946 graduate of Warsaw High School. She then attended Taylor University, graduating from Huntington College with a bachelor’s degree, and a master’s degree from St. Francis.

Phyllis was known for the many lives she touched throughout her 36 years of teaching. While her early years were spent teaching in Huntington, she was fondly remembered for her many projects such as saltwater maps, chicken hatchings, piñatas and Halloween masks for the many children she taught in third grade at Akron Elementary.

Phyllis left a strong legacy behind with those that survive. The Lord was good to her when He blessed her with three beautiful daughters, Lynne (Larry) Kline, Janice (James) Saner and Patti (Robert) Newman.

Her porch on the 4th of July would be filled with her family that included her 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, as well as friends of the family. Her presence for the annual reading of the birth of Christ on Christmas Eve will be greatly missed, as well as all the days to follow.

She was faithful to the Lord and was a living witness of grace and love. She never met a stranger and her presence in any room could brighten up anyone’s day. She had a zest for life and was thankful for every blessing God gave to her.

She was known, on many occasions, to offer this advice to anyone feeling down or upset, “Put your lipstick on and go on.”

In honor of her spunk and tenacity, the family asks that you put your lipstick on and come to a celebration of her life that will be held Sunday, Dec. 17, at Akron Elementary School in Akron. Visitation will be from 1 – 3:30 p.m. followed by a Remembrance Service at 3:30 p.m.

Memorial donations in her honor may be made to: Phyllis Gearhart Teacher Scholarship held in trust at Teacher’s Credit Union or the Nick Patterson Memorial Fund held at the Northern Indiana Community Foundation.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 West Rochester Street, Akron.