Phyllis J. Gongwer

Phyllis Jean Gongwer, 89, went to be with the Lord on September 14, 2020.  She was born in Linton, IN, on July 24, 1931 to Carl and Margaret Donie, both of whom preceded her in death.

After graduating high school, Phyllis began working at Uniroyal in Mishawaka where she met her husband, Ronald. She and Ronald Gongwer Sr.  were married on July 30, 1955 in Mishawaka and were members of St. Monica’s church in Mishawaka.  Years later they moved to Lehigh Acres, FL, with two of their children, Ronnie and Meg.  Their eldest daughter, Linda, and two daughters loved spending their summers and holidays in Florida visiting them.  

Phyllis was an avid game player and always welcomed friends and family into her home to play Yahtzee, Scrabble, cards, and other various games.  She also loved spending time with her dear friend Dali Perez, listening to Elvis, riding fair rides, attending church, and eating sweets.

Phyllis will be greatly missed by her family whom she leaves behind. She is survived by her two daughters Linda (Jeff) Rice of Elkhart and Meg Gongwer of Fort Myers, FL.  She is also survived by her three granddaughters, Angie (Jory) Hardman, Brandie (Vincent) Beam, and Grace Lincoln; two step-granddaughters, Peyton (Kenneth) Gracia and McKenna Killion; and four Godchildren Sandra (Michael) Larimer, Edwin Jr (Keisha) Gonzales, Christian (Nelie) Gonzales, and Isaiah Jose Perez. Phyllis was also blessed with five great-grandchildren, whom she loved to color and play games with. Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald Gongwer Sr. (2000) and her son, Ronald Gongwer Jr. (2018).

Memorial Services will be held Friday, September 18 at Billings Funeral Home in Elkhart.  Visitation will begin at 5:00 PM followed by a Celebration of Life service at 6:00 PM. Graveside services and burial will take place at Fort Myers Memorial Garden on a later date, where Phyllis will be interred alongside her husband of 45 years.   

Due to current public health and safety standards for COVID-19, social distancing will be enforced, and masks required.

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