Phyllis J. Boze

Phyllis J. Boze, 90, of Middletown, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025. She was born on October 20, 1934, in New Castle, to the late Chester and Mary “Kat” (Pate) Riggs.

Phyllis dedicated many years of her professional life to the Delco Remy factory. After years of steadfast service, she found joy in retirement and continued to serve her community as the president of the Mechanicsburg Cemetery, where she worked for many years.

Phyllis was a proud graduate of Cadiz High School and was the President of the Cadiz Alumi up until the end of 2024. She enjoyed finding creative ways to connect with others, particularly through her hobbies. Phyllis enjoyed all things outdoors, scrapbooking, and was also a very passionate bowler. She was a member of the Delco Remy Day Girls Bowling League for many years. She bowled in leagues at Cooper’s Sport Bowl, East Side Lanes, and Brown’s Recreation. She was a 50+ year member of AWBA (Anderson Women’s Bowling Association), WISBA (Women’s Indiana State Bowling Association), and WIBC (Women’s International Bowling Congress). Phyllis was a past president and life member of the AWBA. Phyllis became a life member in 1998, when she retired from the board. Phyllis was inducted into the AWBA Hall of Fame in 1980 under the meritorious division. She served in many committees with the AWBA, WIBC, and the WISBA. She received many awards and honors from those associations. One of her most treasured honors was her induction into the WISBA Hall of Fame in 2000, for Meritorious Service. She was honored with the Agnes Duffy award from WIBC for her dedication to bowling. Phyllis also served on the Membership Development Committee, promoting women in bowling leadership. She was a member of the Indiana State 600 club and the Anderson 600 club. She worked in the Indiana State Queens tournament for many years with her good friends Susie Simmons and Carol Nunn. She loved to travel to state and national bowling tournaments with her Good “Bad” Girls, and they shared many great adventures and laughs along the way. Phyllis enjoyed sports overall, especially cheering on Dallas Clark of the Indianapolis Colts and Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever.

Phyllis found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, one of which was her delightful habit of drinking coffee throughout the day, often sharing a warm cup with friends and family. She had a particular fondness for Longaberger baskets, taking pride in her collection, each piece telling a story and symbolizing her appreciation for craftsmanship and tradition.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sister, Jama (Dr. Robert) Tennant; aunt, Nila Clapp; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; 3 stepchildren and several step grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Harry Boze; and her siblings, Keith Riggs, Glenn Riggs, and Marlene Sowers.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00pm on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home in Middletown, with Eileen Riggs officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00pm until the time of the service on Sunday. Memorial Contributions may be given to the Mechanicsburg Cemetery. Donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home. You may express condolences or share a memory of Phyllis at www.ballardandsons.com.