Phyllis A McDaniel

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Phyllis Ann “Punky” Stanifer McDaniel, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, on May 24, 2026, at the age of 90.

Phyllis was born on May 20, 1936, in Franklin, Ohio, to Albert and Evelyn (Herold) Stanifer. She attended Franklin City Schools. She lived most of her life in Franklin, Ohio, and since 2010 resided at Ohio Living Mount Pleasant in Monroe, Ohio.

Phyllis married Delbert “Dean” McDaniel on December 20, 1952, in Liberty, Indiana. Together, they built a loving home filled with laughter, mutual support, and compassion during their 59 years of marriage. Her home was a place of warmth, beauty, and comfort, reflecting the love and dedication she poured into her family every day. She devoted her life to supporting and encouraging those she loved.

Phyllis was an avid reader and a poet whose writing reflected her life experiences and her view of the world. She especially treasured time spent with family and friends. She was also deeply involved in her community, serving as a Cub Scout den leader, Bible school teacher, volunteer in the pediatric ward at Middletown Hospital, and coordinator of the hospital’s Ruth Lyons Club. Her many other volunteer roles included work with the Parent-Teachers Organization, band parents, First Baptist Church of Franklin, the Franklin Historical Society, the Franklin Bicentennial Committee, reading to seniors, Habitat for Humanity, and numerous other community efforts. She was a member of the Carlisle Squaw Club and the Our Mother Tongue (OMT) literary club, and she was a Daughter of the American Revolution (DAR). Phyllis loved her country and showed unwavering devotion to her husband, sons, daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons who served their country in the military and military-related service.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean McDaniel; her parents, Albert Stanifer and Evelyn Herold Stanifer (husband, Roscoe Estep); her sister, Joyce Lakes, and husband, Jearl; her brothers, Richard Stanifer and his wife, Peggy, Albert “Butch” Stanifer, and Bill Estep; her father-in-law, Elisha McDaniel; her mother-in-law, Mollie McDaniel; her brothers-in-law, Eugene McDaniel, Coy McDaniel and his wife, Helen.

She is survived by her brother, Joseph Estep (Mary); her sisters-in-law, Gloria, Sheila (Butch), Connie (Bill), Myrtle McDaniel Cook, and Helen McDaniel (Eugene); and her children: Army Sergeant Major (Ret.) David McDaniel (Cheri), with children Shannon (Dave), Jason (Aimee), and Sergeant First Class Donovan (Pam), and great-grandchildren Savana Newkirk and Marine Lance Corporal Jackson Rowley; Air Force Master Sergeant (Ret.) Mark McDaniel (Carolyn Sue), with children Cameron and Jerry Ratliff, and granddaughter Lilly; Army Brigadier General (Ret.) Dana McDaniel (Lisa), with children Caitlyn (James) and Colleen (Trevor); and Wendy Gatanas (Andy), with daughter Markella. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 12, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., and on Saturday, June 13, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., at Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 East 2nd Street, Franklin, Ohio. Burial will follow immediately after Saturday’s visitation at Woodhill Cemetery, 6228 Hamilton Middletown Road, Franklin, Ohio. A celebration of life gathering will also be held on Saturday, June 13, at 1:00 p.m., at Ohio Living Mount Pleasant Retirement Community, 210 Mount Pleasant Drive, Monroe, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Franklin Area Historical Society. Checks payable to FAHS may be mailed to Franklin Area Historical Society, 302 Park Ave., Franklin, OH 45005-3549.