Phyllis Gayle "Pee Gee" Yarber

Phyllis Gayle “Pee Gee” Yarber, 73, of Evansville, Passed away in her home with her family around her on Friday, March 8, 2014. She was born in 1940, to Martin C. and Eada C. Brizius in Evansville, Indiana.

Phyllis left a legacy of hard work, helping others and providing for 6 children. She graduated from Bosse High School in 1958, then married and traveled the world. After returning home, she purchased her father’s home on Taylor Ave. She was the neighborhood mom. She worked at Mesker Park Zoo as an Executive Assistant for 19 years before retiring. She was a member of the Culver PTA. She was an active member with Teepee Neighborhood Assoc. She was a volunteer for Friendship Ministries helping many people achieve their GED. She was a lifetime member of Bethel United Church of Christ. You could find her every Sunday in the third row singing with the choir. She was dedicated to Bethel, helping the Bethel staff with daily operations, teaching Sunday school, and volunteering at the Summer Social. She never met a person she didn’t like. She often helped others in need and did without. She enjoyed reading, board games and playing cards. Yahtzee was a family fun event on Taylor Ave while listening to the Statler Brothers. She helped and coached all her children and grandchildren with school projects. She was nice to all, except on chore day. Phyllis touched so many lives and leaves us with many fond memories.

She was preceded in death, along with her parents; five sisters; two brothers and her beloved daughter Nancy Rowley.

Phyllis is survived by her children: Andy Yarber, Amy and James Rutko, Chris and Sarah Little, Jenni and Chance Webster, and Ben Baxter; grandchildren: Jared Shake and Jordan Rutko. Kai, Kyra, and Keeli Webster. Shay Bogenschutz, Jonathan and Bradley Little. Destinee, Sierra, and Ian Baxter; lifelong friends, Susan and Harry Dahlman. Phyllis was Godmother to their children Norman, Timmy, and Alecia; one sister, Jacqueline Ellis – Kerrville, TX; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Raffi.

Services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, March 13, 2014, at Bethel UCC, 3029 N. Green River Road, officiated by Rev. Joe Schulte, with burial in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may visit Wednesday from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at Alexander East Chapel and Thursday from 10:00 AM until service time at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Bethel United Church of Christ Helping Hand Fund.