Phyllis Sue Strong, age 79, of Coatesville, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 15, 2026, after a valiant battle with gallbladder cancer.
Born on September 3, 1946, in Anniston, Missouri, Phyllis was the youngest of four children of Lester and Ora (Peace) Blackwell. She grew up alongside her beloved siblings Margaret, Gene, and Jerry. Phyllis was a graduate of Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis.
On January 25, 1964, Phyllis married the love of her life, James A. Strong, in Indianapolis. Together, they built a rich and loving life, raising their family with devotion and care. For many years, Phyllis was a dedicated homemaker, taking pride in creating a nurturing home for her husband and daughters. As her children grew, she began a new chapter outside the home—working for the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Carmel and later retiring from Neurology Associates in Indianapolis, where she served as a scheduling specialist.
After living many happy years in Indianapolis, Phyllis and Jim made their home at Heritage Lake in Coatesville. She cherished life’s simple joys, especially her time spent in nature. Phyllis loved flowers, birdwatching, and collecting uniquely shaped rocks. She treasured summer vacations in Marblehead, Ohio, during the 1990s, and later in Thompsonville, Michigan, in the 2000s. Autumn always brought her joy as she watched the leaves change color. In later years, her favorite times were spent with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Phyllis is survived by her daughters Wendy Strong of Coatesville, Tina Strong of Plainfield, and Lori Wolk (Jeffrey) of Eugene, Oregon; five grandchildren—Katie, Josh, Alison, Zack, and Hallie; and six great-grandchildren—Parker, Corbin, Beckett, Sutton, Harper, Hayden and Kennedy. She was preceded in death by her husband, James A. Strong, who passed away on November 7, 2023.
Per Phyllis’s wishes, no memorial service will be held.
Phyllis will be remembered for her humble spirit, her kindness toward everyone she met, and her deep compassion for others. Her family and friends will carry her gentle legacy in their hearts forever.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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