Phyllis L. Blackwell

Phyllis L. Blackwell (nee Laurie), 94, of Vermilion, died Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph, Lorain. She was born May 29, 1915 in Orono, Maine, lived most of her life in Kipton and Eustis, FL and had lived in Vermilion the past 19 years. She worked as a 4th grade teacher in Midview and Firelands. She was a member of United Church of Christ Congregational, Vermilion, and formerly a member of the Kipton Community Church. She enjoyed reading, knitting, and sewing. Survivors include her daughters, Karen (Larry) Howell of Vermilion, and April (Philip) Hood Beesley of Thousand Oaks, CA; 6 grandchildren, Adele Bonge, Monique Williams, Alex and Eric Hood, Craig Howell and Cecily Musser; and 6 great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, Alex and Leila (nee Whitney) and her husband, Arthur, in 1989. Friends may call Friday, December 11, 2009 from 4-8pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio 44089. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Reverend Wendell Brooker, pastor of United Church of Christ, Vermilion, will officiate. Interment will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst.. The family suggests memorial contributions to the United Church of Christ Congregational, P.O. Box 228, Vermilion, Ohio. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.