Phyllis Jo Keesling

Phyllis Joan Keesling, 98, Muncie, passed away Friday afternoon, May 31, 2024, at Cedar Creek Assisted Living. She was born Saturday, May 15, 1926, in Muncie, the daughter of Ralph and Mary (Harris) Worl. Joan met the love of her life, William F. Keesling, at Selma High School. They graduated together, married in Laredo, Texas in 1944, and were married for fifty-eight years. Joan was active in several card clubs and loved playing any card game, anytime, anywhere. Joan and William were members of the First Baptist Church where they were instrumental along with several other couples in starting the BYKOTA Sunday School class. Joan worked as secretary to the principal at McKinley Middle School, and was secretary/treasurer for the superintendent at Monroe Community Schools and Yorktown Schools. She was past president of the Psi Iota Xi Sorority. Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Susan Keesling; sisters, Mary Lou Clevenger, and Rachel Sparks; grandchildren, Jenny (Terry Kuhns) Cole, and Lori (husband, Jason) Zachary; great-grandchildren, Zachary Keesling, Leslie Brinson, Kayleigh Keesling, Samantha Calhoun, Cassidy Cole, Ethan Cole, Nicole Keesling-Clark, and Jordan Clark; several great-great-grandchildren; nieces; and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Mary Worl; her husband, William F. Keesling; sons, William F. Keesling II, and Charles E. “Chuck” Keesling; brothers, Willard Worl, and Robert Worl; sisters, Kathryn Proudfoot, and Marceil Holt; and a grandson, Thomas P. Keesling . Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Elm Ridge Funeral Home, with burial in Elm Ridge Memorial Park at a later date. Memorial contributions in memory of Joan may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 5635 West 96th Street, #100, Indianapolis, Indiana 46278. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at elmridgefuneralhome.com for the family.