Phyllis J. Nordhaus, 78, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away after battling breast cancer, on October 7, 2016 in her home surrounded by family.

Born to Wayne and Kathleen Hurt of Owensville, IN on July 25, 1938.

Phyllis attended high school in Owensville where she played basketball, softball, piano, and was a yell leader. Following graduation, she began her career path by moving to Washington DC to work as a secretary at the Pentagon. Eventually, Phyllis moved to Evansville, IN and graduated from the University of Evansville with a teaching degree and dedicated the rest of her 25-year career to teaching at Haubstadt and Owensville elementary schools. Phyllis enjoyed sports and was an avid fan of Indiana Hoosiers basketball, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and she remained an active booster of the Evansville Purple Aces, holding season tickets their basketball games. She also had a passion for music (especially James Brown), which she instilled in her children, and she regularly attended the Evansville Philharmonic and Jazz concerts both at home and in cities throughout the U.S. and Mexico. She was a talented musician who could play keyboard, piano, and organ by ear and while she disliked the spotlight, she often played for her church and accompanied young musicians during their recitals and competitions. After retiring from teaching, Phyllis cultivated a passion for travel throughout Mexico and frequently took family trips to locations such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Huatulco, and Oaxaca where she expanded her love of Mexican culture and food. A devoted Christian, Phyllis was an active member of her church, The Cathedral, and is looking forward to seeing her friends and family in Heaven.

Phyllis is survived by her children; Vikki (Houston) and John Bolin of San Diego, CA, Robert and Leslie Nordhaus of Birdseye, IN, and Laurie (Nordhaus) and Dave Bergthold of Oceanside, CA as well as 5 grandchildren; Mark Bolin of Los Angeles, CA, Sarah (Bolin) Cantrell of Anchorage, AK, Maddy Bolin of San Diego, CA, Ian (Nordhaus) Rhoeling of Indianapolis, IN, and Jett Bergthold of Oceanside, CA.

She was preceded in death by her brother Capt. Ronald Hurt (1970), her father Wayne (1994) and mother Kathleen (2008). Holders Funeral Home is assisting with a small graveside service that will be held at Blythe Chapel Cemetery in Owensville Tuesday, October 11, at 1:00 pm, with a celebration of life for family and friends to follow at Los Portales in Evansville.