Phyllis E. Aughinbaugh

Phyllis E. Aughinbaugh, a beacon of love and faith, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, in Rensselaer, Indiana, at the age of 87. Born on October 17, 1937, in Oakwood, Ohio, Phyllis was a woman whose life was a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the warmth of a loving heart.
Phyllis grew up in a close-knit community and graduated from Holgate High School, where she formed lifelong friendships and developed a passion for learning. She went on to bring her diligent work ethic to the family business, Aughinbaugh Tax Service in North Manchester, Indiana, during the 1970s and 1980s, where her meticulous nature and warm customer service were greatly appreciated.
Her marriage to the late Austin J. Aughinbaugh blessed her with a large and loving family, including her six children: Jerry (Cindy) Aughinbaugh of Converse, IN, Randy Aughinbaugh of Torrance, CA, Michael (Pepsy) Nagel of Fort Wayne, IN, Mark (Vickie) Aughinbaugh of San Pierre, IN, Jeffrey (Dawn) Aughinbaugh of Mishawaka, IN, and Nora Hopper of Remington, IN. She was a cherished grandmother to 17 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren who will miss her deeply.
Phyllis was the sister to Norman Maddock of Westerville, OH, and Maurice Maddock of Holgate, OH. She was a beloved sister-in-law to Delores Aughinbaugh of North Manchester, IN, and a dear aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, daughter Sharon Wolfe, great-grandson Nathan Strong, sister Carolyn Kruse, and her parents.
Throughout her life, Phyllis was actively involved in her community and church. She was a dedicated member of the First Brethren Church of North Manchester, the First Baptist Church of Rensselaer, and attended Tri-County Bible Church. Her faith was a cornerstone of her existence, guiding her through the many adversities she faced with unwavering grace.
Phyllis's creative spirit shone through in her love for sewing, crocheting, and crafts. Her handmade gifts were not just articles of beauty, but also expressions of her generous and thoughtful nature. She found immense joy in being a grandmother, a role she embraced with every ounce of her being. Her grandchildren will carry forward the countless memories of her love and the gentle lessons she imparted.
Described by those who knew her as loving, faith-filled, and creative, Phyllis was a strong and godly woman who approached life with kindness and a friendly demeanor. She had the rare ability to make everyone feel special and valued, leaving a legacy of compassion and empathy that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Phyllis's life was a beautiful patchwork of family, faith, and community, stitched together with the threads of perseverance and kindness. As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we celebrate the enduring impact she has made on the lives of so many. Phyllis E. Aughinbaugh will forever be remembered as a beacon of love, a pillar of strength, and a true embodiment of grace.
As we reflect on her well-lived life, we take solace in the knowledge that her spirit continues to live on through her family and the countless lives she touched. Phyllis's journey on earth may have come to a close, but the warmth of her presence will continue to inspire and guide us for generations to come.
Visitation will be Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 12 p.m. until time of the funeral at 2 p.m. (CDT) at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Pastor Dan Warren officiating. Burial will be Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 1 p.m. (EDT) at Eel River Cemetery in Silver Lake, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.
Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements. Memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.