Phyllis J. Koson

Phyllis J. Koson, (nee Balthaser), age 88, was welcomed into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, May 9th, 2025. She was born in Cleveland Ohio, November 13, 1936, to the late Robert and Esther (Nee Casterline) Balthaser.
Phyllis graduated from The Andrews School for Girls in 1955, where she majored in the culinary arts, married the love of her life, Allen, in 1957, and was married for almost 54 years at the time of his passing in 2011. She retired from the U.S. Postal Service after more than 20 years of service. She was a devoted wife and mother. Phyllis never knew a stranger. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome. She loved people and had a sense of humor that never quit. Her smile was contagious. Her faith was an important part of her life, having been an active member of different churches and groups throughout her life, and since 2020 was an active member of the Church at Sterchi Hills. She recommitted her life to Jesus and was Baptized by immersion in 2023.
Phyllis is preceded in death by her husband Allen Koson, son Robert Koson, sister Kaye (Nee Balthaser) Slimp, and grandson William Roberts. She was the loving mother of Kim Koson, Therese Madison (Keith), Debra Brown (Robert), Sheryl Koson, Brian Koson; sister of Sharen Balthaser, Beth Borowski (John), sister-in-law of Jack Slimp; grandmother of Danielle, Gabriel Madison, Staci Roberts, Isaac (Briana), Elijah Brown, Jeff Deuter, Kristin (Eddie), Brandon, Arthur Devine, Allen (Rebekah), Aaron, Adam Koson, Genevieve Erbacher (Bryan), Sophia, Castalia Koson; great grandmother of 15; aunt to many nieces and nephews, and friend to many.
Family and friends will be received on Saturday, May 17th, 2025 at 1 :00 PM with a Celebration of Life to follow at 2:00 PM. Services will be held at The Church at Sterchi Hills with Pastor Joel Dew officiating. (904 Dry Gap Pike Knoxville, TN 37918) lnurnment will be held at Western Reserve National Cemetery (10175 Rawiga Rd Seville, OH 44273) on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025, at 9:15AM with Pastor Hinckley officiating.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to your favorite charity in Phyllis' memory.
Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Koson family and invites you to view and sign the online registry. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Phyllis, please visit our Tree Store.