Phyllis (Fry) Acker

June 5, 1921 - April 26, 2005

Phyllis (Fry) Acker was born in South Bend, Indiana on June 5, 1921, and went into the loving arms of our Lord on April 26, 2005, after a long struggle with pancreatic cancer. Her parents were the late Benjamin Franklin Fry and Catharine (Teuscher) Fry. Phyllis attended South Bend public schools as well as DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Robert F. Acker, whom she met in 1946, following his service in the U.S. Naval Reserve. She was the mother of four children, Catharine A. Vaughan of Summit, New Jersey, Barbara F. Acker of Evanston, Illinois, Robert M. Acker of Lakewood, Colorado, and James C. Acker of Seattle, Washington. She was also the grandmother of six grandsons and two granddaughters; Marshall and Spencer Vaughan, Erica and Nicholas Myers, Robert and Benjamin Acker, and Anne and Christopher Acker. Phyllis is also survived by a sister, Mary Louise Craven, of Tempe, Arizona.

Phyllis had a gift for architecture and interior design. Through the various career moves made by her husband, she became expert at choosing the right dwelling for her family and the proper furniture and furnishings to go with each home. She was confident, self-assured, and capable. For a time, Phyllis became interested in painting and became proficient enough to produce one or two portraits reflecting remarkable likenesses. She loved to travel and was able to visit Europe, Alaska and Africa.

Finally, Phyllis was a devout Christian. Her unshakable faith sustained her during her last days. She will be missed by all who knew her.

A graveside service will be held at Riverview Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 6. Contributions may be made in Phyllis' memory to the Mission Outreach programs of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 750 W. Chapala Drive, Tucson, AZ 85704

Source: Newspapers.com

04/07/2025 EJS