Phyllis Jane Bohleber, 94, of Carmi, IL, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Wabash Senior Living and Rehabilitation in Carmi. She was born July 26, 1928 in rural Carmi, IL the daughter of the late Albert John Schumaker and Wilma May (Hesson) Schumaker who have preceded her in death.
Phyllis was married to her beloved, C. Allen Bohleber on August 13, 1950 and they shared 59 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on October 1, 2009.
Phyllis is survived by her son, Edward Dale Bohleber and wife, Alice Ann Bohleber of Carmi; her daughter, Martha Jane Matza of Stafford, Texas; her son-in-law, Stephen D. Matza of Sugar Land, Texas; her two grandsons, Allen Keith Bohleber and wife Katie (Katherine) Marie Bohleber of Modesto, California; Andrew Stephen Matza and wife Jenni Marano Matza of Orlando, Florida; great-grandchildren, Erin Lynn Bohleber of Mesquite, Texas, Lio Fiumalosi of Modesto, California, Ema Saenz and husband, Justin Saenz of Modesto, California, Cora Lindee Matza of Orlando, Florida; great-great-granddaughter, Peyton Riley Saenz of Modesto, California; nieces and nephews, Teresa Mears of Benton, Kentucky, Carol Ackerman of Mt. Vernon, Indiana, Paula Bohleber of Carmi, Keith Brasier of Illinois, Richard Bingman of Carmi, Kathy Damm of Norris City and Scott Bingman of Carmi; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Phyllis graduated from Welborn Nursing School in Evansville, Indiana. Phyllis worked at Riley Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana to fulfill her practical experience in nursing, where Allen would often come visit her. Phyllis first worked at Dr. McVicker’s private hospital in McLeansboro, Illinois until her marriage. During that time she cared for a multidisciplinary range of patients and was part of the surgical team. She was a registered nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville for 22 years and at White County Hospital in Carmi for 15 years from where she retired.
Her legacy includes being the first nurse in the family. Her Grandpa Shumaker was so proud that he said he should have sent all his granddaughters to nursing school. She felt she was meant to care for others, in addition she was an example to others that a woman could have a professional job in the 1950’s, and be an important member of the medical field helping those in need while having a family and raising young children.
Phyllis was a driving force of the community. She was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church. While living in Richland, Indiana as a member of the Richland United Methodist Church she could be found supporting many of the church’s efforts. This included the monthly smorgasbord church building fundraiser where she would be serving desserts. She was always sure to have her homemade pecan pie available for the patrons.
She was a member of the Carmi Emmanuel Methodist Church where she was always willing to lend a hand as she was able. Phyllis was known for her famous Springerle Cookies, that she would bake for the church cookie sale and made sure there was always a jar full in the house during Christmas holidays for family and friends.
Phyllis was involved with the Indiana Luce Township Volunteer Fire Department as the first-in-call to begin the telephone tree during an emergency in support of her husband, Allen who was a Luce Township Fire Chief for 22 years.
Phyllis enjoyed quilting, jigsaw puzzles and working in her yard while tending her roses. Her favorite food was ice cream and chocolate.
All that knew her shall be at peace today as she goes to be with God and her beloved Allen.
Funeral services for Phyllis Jane Bohleber will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Carmi Emmanuel Church, 203 Edgewood Lane, Carmi. Burial will follow in White County Memorial Garden in Carmi. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time at Carmi Emmanuel Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Phyllis memory to Carmi Emmanuel Church, 203 Edgewood Lane, Carmi, IL 62821 and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home, 609 W. Main St., Carmi, IL 62821 who is assisting the family with arrangements.
