Phyllis Jean (Steinke) Ray-Ward

Phyllis Ward Obituary

Phyllis Jean Ward, 87, of St. Marys Ohio passed away Monday, December 16, 2024 at Celina, Ohio.  She was born January 15, 1938, in Rhine, Ohio, the oldest daughter of the late Arthur and Rosa (née Wendel) Steinke. 

Phyllis graduated from New Knoxville High School in 1956.   On October 31, 1981, she married Hasroe Ward, who preceded her in death on May 25, 2012.  Phyllis was employed at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in St. Marys for over 35 years, and she owned PJ Sewing, specializing in custom tailoring, alterations, and quilting. 

Phyllis was extraordinarily talented in domestic arts.  She had a large garden and enjoyed canning and preserving.   She was an expert seamstress and quilter, spending countless hours sewing, knitting, crocheting, tatting, and doing needlework.  Phyllis also made formal dresses for entire wedding parties, including bridal gowns and veils.  She also enjoyed photography, scrapbooking, and collecting Longaberger baskets.

Phyllis is survived by three of her six sons – Dennis (Lynne) Ray, James (Krissy) Ray, and Neal (Tori) Ray. She is also survived by her lifelong best friend Janice Dysert.    Three sons and a granddaughter preceded her in death: Michael (Fran) Ray, Bill (Angie) Ray, Jeff (Donna) Ray and Bethany Ray.  Phyllis is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her puppy Harley.  

She is survived by her sisters Elsie McGlothen and Diane (Tim) Davis, her brother Frank (Deb) Steinke, her sister-in-law Dawn Steinke, and her daughter-in-law Fran Ray.    Her brothers, Danny Steinke and Ivan Steinke, sister-in-law Deb Steinke, and brother-in-law Dale McGlothen preceded her in death.

A time of Sharing and Remembrance is scheduled 2 - 6 p.m.  on Thursday  at Miller’s Funeral Home 1605 Celina Rd  (Ohio 703 West) St Marys Ohio, 45885.

For those who wish to make memorial contributions, please consider the Auglaize County Humane Society or the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be expressed and memories shared with Phyllis’ family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net or the Miller Funeral Homes Facebook Page.