The matriarch of the Donaugh family, Phyllis R. (Apt) Donaugh, was given her wings Saturday evening, April 23, 2016, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
On January 9, 1929, Phyllis was born in Ostrander, Ohio, the daughter of the late Eugene and Margaret “Chris” (Stults) Apt. She was raised in Delaware County, where she graduated from Ashley High School in the class of 1946.
Shortly following graduation, Phyllis married her dancing partner through life, Milbourne “Mel” Donaugh, on July 18, 1948, at the Greenwood Evangelical Church. They shared fifty nine wonderful years of marriage and lovingly raised three children: Jerel, Tina and Melanie. He preceded her in death on October 23, 2007.
In addition to being a loving homemaker, Phyllis worked as a secretary at Romosher’s Tin Repair Shop, Loeb’s Furniture Store, and Central Soya. Later, Phyllis assisted her husband, Mel, with owning and operating the Marion Business College, where she also helped as a substitute teacher. Lastly, she was the office manager at Culligan Water Company. She also had a knack for selling Avon products, often winning top seller trophies.
Very deep in faith, Phyllis and Mel were integral members of the Greenwood United Methodist Church, where his grandmother, Mary Donaugh, was a founding member. Phyllis and Mel transferred to the Crosswood United Methodist Church, and had attended the Dayspring Wesleyan Church with their son, Jerel.
Sharing a love for camping with Mel, they started camping in a small tent, and then upgraded several times over the years to travel trailers and motor homes. Phyllis was the one keeping everything moving along, while Mel was entertaining everyone with his stories and jokes. They also were members of the Swamp Fox Camping Club in Marion, and they spent several years at the Hidden Lakes Campgrounds in Mount Gilead.
Snowbirds, Phyllis and Mel enjoyed several winters in Florida, first in Okeechobee, and the rest of their years in Fort Myers.
Always arm in arm, Phyllis and Mel were excellent dance partners, dancing every chance they had…especially if it was ballroom dancing. They were also members of the PAR dance club.
Dedicated to her family, Phyllis truly was the strong matriarch of the Donaugh family. She was always there for her husband, children and grandchildren, until she became ill. She especially cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren.
Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters: Tina (Nancy Eakins) Donaugh of Centerburg, and Melanie (Charlie) Toland of Richwood; five grandchildren: Matthew (Lorenda) Donaugh, Lindsay (Jonathan) Noggle, Bryan (Ashley) Donaugh, Brittany Toland and Elliott Toland; three great-grandchildren: Adelynn and Maddox Donaugh, and Titus Donaugh; a brother, John (Loretta) Apt of Columbus; and several nieces and nephews.
Including her husband and parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her son and daughter-in-law, Jerel and Jane Donaugh; and by a brother, Robert Apt.
Her family will greet friends from 5 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring her life will be observed privately by her family in Claridon Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Crosswood United Methodist Church, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Phyllis’ family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting her obituary via www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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