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Phyllis K. Winstead

1934 - 2026

Phyllis K. Winstead obituary, 1934-2026, State College, PA

BORN

1934

DIED

2026

FUNERAL HOME

Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. - Bellefonte

206 N Spring St

Bellefonte, Pennsylvania

UPCOMING SERVICE

Visitation

Mar. 24, 2026

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc.

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Phyllis Winstead Obituary

Phyllis K. Winstead

February 18, 1934 - March 18, 2026

State College, Pennsylvania - Phyllis K. Winstead, 92, of State College, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College. Born on February 18, 1934, in Penns Valley, she was the daughter of the late Leroy and Helen (Vonada) Breon. She was married to her beloved husband, John Ripka, Sr., who preceded her in death in 1983. Phyllis was remarried to Richard Winstead, who also preceded her in death in 2007.

Phyllis was a graduate of Penns Valley Area High School. She was the owner/operator of Ripka Beauty Center for over 40 years until her retirement.

She is survived by her son, John Ripka, Jr. of State College, a grandson, Evan Ripka (Kyleigh) of Jersey Shore, and a great-grandson, Aiden Ripka. Also surviving is a brother, Kermit Breon (Mary Ann) of Hughesville, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her first and second husband, and parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Rosie Zeigler.

Phyllis was a member of the Pleasant Gap United Methodist Church. She looked forward to going camping and found joy in volunteering at the Pleasant Gap Food Bank. She also loved cooking delicious meals for her family and friends.

A public viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 11 am to 12 pm, at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 206 N. Spring Street, Bellefonte. Funeral services will begin at 12 pm, at the funeral home, with Rev. Andrew Morgan officiating. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 11 am, at Centre County Memorial Park in State College.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Phyllis to the Pleasant Gap United Methodist Church, 179 S. Main Street, Pleasant Gap, PA 16823.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Centre Daily Times from Mar. 19 to Mar. 22, 2026.

Memorial Events
for Phyllis Winstead

Mar

24

Visitation

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc.

206 N. Spring Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823

Mar

24

Service

12:00 p.m.

Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc.

206 N. Spring Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823

Funeral services provided by:

Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. - Bellefonte

206 N Spring St PO Box 7, Bellefonte, PA 16823

Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Winstead

Sponsored by Centre Daily Times.

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