Phyllis Scarff Milliken

EATON — Phyllis Scarff Milliken, 103, of Eaton, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at Greenbriar Nursing Center in Eaton.

She was born on Dec. 15, 1921, in New Carlisle. She was the second of five daughters born to Max M. and Ina S. Scarff. She graduated from Olive Branch High School, New Carlisle. Phyllis loved to be outside along with her father, his brother and their grandfather, who owned a nursery and seed business. Growing up she also enjoyed playing various sports, winning county championships in basketball and tennis. She attended The Ohio State University and Purdue University before finding the degree program she wanted at Ohio University from which she graduated in the School of Business. She was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. It was while she was at Ohio University that she met her future husband, John E. Milliken.

World War II lengthened their courtship as Phyllis graduated and Jack, as he was more commonly known, enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in Europe. Phyllis planned their wedding for as soon as possible after Jack returned from Europe as he expected to be sent to the Pacific. They were married on September 1, 1945 in New Carlisle and the war happily ended before Jack was sent overseas again. Phyllis and Jack lived most of their lives in New Carlisle where she worked for her father as his office manager and "right hand person" at the Scarff Seed Company for 23 years and Jack became an independent insurance agent. Phyllis "ran" the seed company, raised her children, enjoyed her four grandsons and also occasionally played tennis and golf.

She was active in several community organizations including succeeding her father as a member of the Board of Directors of the Security National Bank in Springfield, becoming the first woman to serve in that capacity and serving for 10 years. She was past President of the New Carlisle Progress Club and past President of the Women's Golf Association at Miles Grant Country Club in Stuart, Florida.

Phyllis was a member of the Eastern Star for 65 years. Upon their retirement Phyllis and Jack moved to Stuart, Florida where Jack enjoyed boating and Phyllis enjoyed playing golf. A couple of years after Jack's death in 1997, Phyllis moved to West Lexington Place, Eaton, where she resided until moving to the Greenbriar Senior Living Center three and a half years ago.

Survivors are her daughter Jane (Dr. Daryl) Woodard and her son John (Jo Ellen) Milliken; grandchildren Dr. Brian (Teresa) Woodard, Scott (Erika) Woodard, Greg (Kathy) Milliken and Doug (Shannon) Milliken; great-grandchildren Dr. Brittany (Dr. Michael) Thomas, Rachel (Phil) Dworkin, Mark Woodard, Lili Woodard, Dominik Woodard, Abby Milliken, Jacob Milliken and Roman Milliken; special friend Marty from Vitas Hospice; and wonderful caregiver and friend Leslie Kimble.

Visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26, at the Gard Funeral Home, 226 W. Main Street, Eaton, with Pastor John Richards officiating. Burial at New Carlisle Cemetery in New Carlisle.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to "Meals on Wheels" at the Preble County Council on Aging, 800 E. St. Clair Street, Eaton, OH 45320 or the Eaton Methodist Church, 120 N. Maple Street, Eaton, OH 45320.

Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.