Phyllis Merritt Obituary

Phyllis June Merritt, 83, of Pittsboro, Indiana, peacefully passed away on January 23, 2026. Phyllis was born on November 12, 1942, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to John and Sallie (Joseph) Church. A member of Future Homemakers of America, she graduated from Stilesville High School, class of 1960. She immediately went on to obtain her bachelor’s in elementary education from Indiana State University in 1964, and promptly completed her master’s in 1967, also from Indiana State University. Phyllis taught and nurtured countless young minds, first as a teacher at Plainfield School Corporation for five years and then at Pittsboro Elementary School, primarily as a second-grade teacher. On August 1, 1969, Phyllis married Donald "Donnie" Eugene Merritt in Amo, Indiana, a loving union of 56 wonderful years.

Phyllis enjoyed reading books of all genres, creating works of art in needlepoint, and expressing her love for her family through her cooking, especially with her yeast rolls. A devoted Christian, Phyllis was a member of New Brunswick Church of Christ, where she volunteered and taught youth group. She and Donnie also spent many memorable winters in their home close to Winter Haven, Florida.

In addition to her parents, Phyllis is preceded in death by her sister, Judy Lydick and brother-in-law, Bob; her brother-in-law, Joe Franks; and her sister-in-law, Betty Sue Merritt.

She is survived by her husband, Donnie Merritt; her children, Russell "Rusty" Merritt (Jeanette) and Jennifer "Jenny" Merritt; her grandchildren, Alexandra Merritt, Lauryn Merritt, and Levi Merritt; and her sisters-in-law, Marsha Franks, Connie Garrett-Brasher (Paul), and Donna Stucker (Raymond); and many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family will gather from 4 until 7 p.m., Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, January 30, 2026, at the funeral home. Phyllis will be laid to rest in Lizton K of P Cemetery following the funeral service.

Memorial gifts are suggested to the New Brunswick Church of Christ. Arrangements are entrusted to Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hendricks County. All are encouraged to keep her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of loss.