Phyllis Jane (Kester) Townsend

Phyllis slipped away peacefully May 14, 2022 at Court House Manor, Washington Court House where she had been a resident since November 2021. Previously, she lived on Prairie Avenue in Wilmington for several years.

She was a New Year’s Baby, born January 1, 1931 in Columbus, Ohio, daughter of Donald Ruble Kester and Leah Bonita Fullen Kester. After graduating from North High School, she enrolled in Wilmington College where she met her future husband, Richard H. Townsend. She helped Dr. Robert Ford set up his podiatry practice in Wilmington and worked for him until his death. She was active as a Wilmington BPOE 797 member and Trustee for many years.

Her home was a shrine to her idols with commemorative plates, pillows and music boxes of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable. Always the life of the party, Phyllis had a quick wit and enjoyed spending time with her friends. She and her friends Wilma Kocher, Robert Peelle and Rick Helfinstine travelled to many exciting places. Other special friends are Trula Donahue Jones, Julie Carr Roberts, Melanie Corwin, and Danny & April Williams.

Phyllis is survived by her two daughters, Teri (Ed) Camp and Patti (Marvin) Cecchini, a sister, Tami Kester Massaro, and a sister-in-law, Diane Davies Kester. Also surviving are grandsons Thad (Ashley) Camp, Zachary (Bridget) Mitchell and Justin (Lacy) Camp and great-grandchildren Conner Mitchell, Logan Camp, Jaylyn and Keely Hensley. She was preceded in death by her brother, Daniel D. Kester and grandson Richard Zebulon Mitchell.

Special thanks go to Patty Taylor, Rayetta Clutter, Theresa Hale, Court House Manor and Hospice of Fayette County for the comfort and care they provided.

Graveside services will be 2:00 PM, July 8, 2022 at Martinsville I.O.O.F. Cemetery with a celebration happy hour from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at McCoy’s Catering, 1130 Gurneyville Road, Wilmington, Ohio.

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