Submitted by: Dan Rich

Phyllis Darnell

Nov. 30, 1927 - Jan. 2, 2008

South Bend Tribune 1/5/2008
SOUTH BEND - Phyllis Darnell, 80, of South Bend, passed away Wednesday evening, January 2, 2008, in the home of her daughter in Mishawaka. Phyllis was born November 30, 1927, in Mishawaka, a daughter of the late Joseph and Blanche (Jones) Ziegler. She grew up in Mishawaka and Granger.

On August 7, 1948, Phyllis married Jerry T. Darnell and the couple made Mishawaka their home. Phyllis was employed at Ball Band, Mossberg Printing and was a School Crossing Guard in Mishawaka. She was a member of the Women's Auxiliary of the VFW and belonged to their M.O.C.A. Phyllis also was a member of the Women's Auxiliary of the American Legion and formerly belonged to Ridgedale Presbyterian Church in South Bend. She enjoyed dancing, particularly with her husband; and crocheting and for many years getting together with friends for morning coffee.

Following the death of her husband in 1980, Phyllis lived in Fort Myers, Florida, until returning to live in South Bend in 2000. Phyllis' surviving family includes her three children, Joyce (John) Nagy of Mishawaka, Joseph (Connie) Darnell of North Port, Florida, and Jeffrey (Vicky) Darnell of South Bend; two sisters, Shirley (Larry) Johnson and Sylvia Sandee; seven grandchildren, June, Jenifer, Syndie, Jay, Jordan, Whitney and Taylor; and seven great-grandchildren. Besides her parents and her husband, Phyllis was also preceded in death by her brother, Arthur Ziegler; and a grandchild, Lauren.

Friends may spend time with the family Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. in Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. Third Street, Mishawaka. Services will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home, with Rev. Dr. Donald Neely officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka. Contributions in Phyllis' memory may be given to the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care or the American Heart Association. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.