Phyllis J. Tenbuckel

FINDLEY LAKE- Phyllis J. Tenbuckel, 75, of Findley Lake, NY, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at UPMC Hamot Hospital in Erie, PA, with family by her side. She was born May 5, 1950, in Philipsburg, PA, the daughter of the late Bernard Valimont and Betty Brown (Frank) Presor.

     Phyllis was a graduate of Erie Academy. She had worked as the store manager for the Findley Lake Market for many years. In earlier years, she had worked at the Peak n’ Peek Resort, and more recently as a substitute teacher for the Sherman and Clymer Schools. 

     She was a life member of the Findley Lake Fire Department and attended the Edwards Chapel in Clymer, NY. Phyllis loved her fashion, especially known for her shoes, and thrift shopping. It was never a surprise if she left the salon with a splash of color in her hair. Her monthly nail appointments always matched the closest holiday. Her latest look was for St Patrick’s Day. With her husband she enjoyed several years as a season ticket holder to the Erie Otters where they had an extra seat so they could always share their love of the game with grandchildren-section 219, row Y seats 3,4,5. Her greatest joy in life was family. She never had a conversation without talking about at least one of her kids, grands or greats and how proud she was of them. 

     Phyllis is survived by her loving husband, Craig Tenbuckel, whom she married July 5, 1988 in Knoxville, TN, five children, Brian (Marcie) Langer of Juda, WI, Billy Langer of Big Sky, MT, BettyJo (Ben) Nickerson of Sherman, NY, Brandi Goodwill of Sherman, NY, and Jenni (Eli) Eddy of Ripley, NY, her grandchildren, Michael Langer, Kayla (Duke) Coughlin, Amanda Malott, Dr. Kevin Malott, Brandon (Maddie) Nickerson, Aden Nickerson, Liam Nickerson, Chelsie Mercado, Destiny Mercado, Desiree Mercado, Cheyenne Goodwill, Waylon Goodwill, Jameson Irwin, Gracen Eddy, and Jaxon Eddy, three great grandchildren, Zoey, Luke and Braxton, her mother in-law, Kathleen (Roger) Lyon, two sister in-laws, Bonnie Tenbuckel and Danette Halley, and many nieces and nephews. 

    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Frank Presor; her father-in-law, Jerry Tenbuckel; a son-in-law, Daryl Goodwill; two brothers, Daryl “Butch” Valimont and Bob Valimont and one brother-in-law, Patrick Halley.

     At Phyllis’ request, there will be no public services observed. A private celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family.

     Memorial donations can be made to the Findley Lake Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad (PO Box 158, Findley Lake, NY 14736), or the Edwards Chapel (9227 Cherry Hill Rd, Clymer, NY 14724).

    To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com