Phyllis K Shoaff

On Sept. 15, Phyllis Marion (Kleiner) Shoaff passed away at the Towne House of Fort Wayne, at the age 97. She was born on Aug. 30, 1918, in Detroit, MI., where she spent her childhood with her family: father, William Edmund Kleiner; mother, Zoah Louise (Schnoor); and sister, Margaret (Burns). Her best early memories were of her summers in Marine City, MI., where she spent time with her Grandpa Schnoor watching freighters travel down the river and eating her favorite penny-candy. Her post-high school education was completed at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she earned a BS in nursing. It was at the university hospital that she met her future husband, Thomas Richard Shoaff, while serving as a private nurse for Richard’s nephew who was ill. After marriage, Phyllis spent her entire life in Fort Wayne. Her interests were varied and intense: cooking, bridge, figure skating, golf, tennis, art, and interior décor. In each of them she demonstrated her most memorable attribute – perseverance to achieve mastery of whatever she loved doing. Phyllis is survived by her five children: Judith Reading, Susan Long, Richard Shoaff, Clare Shoaff, and Wally Shoaff; six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Phyllis asked that all memorials be made to the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Dept., c/o the Street Care Program. Klaehn, Fahl, & Melton Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.