Obituary of Phyllis Gerke

Phyllis A. Gerke, 93 , of East Stroudsburg and formerly of Homosassa, FL and State Center, IA, died on, Monday, February 18, 2013 at home with her family at her side. She was the wife of the late Darwin Hilleman, and the late Harold Gerke. Born in Osborn, OH she was the daughter of the late Cassius and Vera (Hamm) Woodhouse. Her brother, C. Donald Woodhouse preceded her in death. Before relocating to Pennsylvania last year, Phyllis spent her retirement years in Florida, where she volunteered at Homosassa Wildlife State Park. In Iowa she was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, the Delta Nu Study Club, The John J. Audubon Society, and a member of several local card clubs. She lived her life to the fullest, even traveling with her friends and family well into her 90's. She enjoyed reading, gardening, bird watching and spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her daughter: Diane Briscoe and her husband Bob of East Stroudsburg, two step-daughters: Bonnie Lanxon Kinnison and her husband Don of Ames, IA, Diane Keller and her husband Don of Atlanta, GA; nine grandchildren: Bryan Slotten and his wife Melissa, Jason Slotten and his wife Aubrey, Matt Briscoe and his wife Michelle; Christopher "CJ" Briscoe, Brad Lanxon and his wife Korine, Tami Saren and her husband Ron, Brittany Meyer, Megan Keller, Matt Keller; and eleven great grandchildren. A private memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446.