Local artist Phyllis C. Luyken, died peacefully at her home March 2, 2013 surrounded by loving family. She was 91.
Born in Omaha Nebraska (Phyllis Clay Harry) came to California by way of Chicago where she met and married William Fleischmann. As Theosophists, Phyllis and William came to Ojai to learn and study the teachings of J. Krishnamurti and raise their three daughters Carol, Wilma and Deborah.
After Willie died, Phyllis met and married Arnold Luyken. Arnold’s children are Marion and Robert. The two families have been joined since 1972. Phyllis adored Arnold and they shared a love for art, travel and music. They enjoyed eleven years together until Arnolds passing. Since then Phyllis pursued her passion for family, friends, art, gardening and spiritual growth. She loved to walk in a park near her home and taught and practiced T’ai Chi with friends and family.
Phyllis started college at 34 and graduated from UCSB with her teaching credential. She completed numerous art courses and considered her artistic endeavors an on-going process. She taught elementary school, particularly Kindergarten for 20 years. Phyllis was a renowned painter. She was loved here in the Ventura Buddhist and Unitarian Universalist communities.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her daughter Carol Chambliss; sister Rosamond Jorgensen; and husbands William and Arnold. She will be missed by children Wilma Ward, Debbie Merlo-Ruccione, Marion Jetton and Robert Luyken; grandchildren Jill, Susan, Tiffany, Laura, Christopher, Elizabeth, Corinna; ten great grandchildren and many precious friends.
A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 24, 2013 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura, 5654 Ralston Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CCCV Sanctuary Fund or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.
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