Phylis Ann Cole Keane, 78, of Westerville, OH, passed away September 6, 2023 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Born May 25, 1945 in Rochester, New York, Phylis was a devoted wife and mother who was deeply loved by everyone she encountered. The youngest of 5 siblings, Phylis (Phyl, Aunt Phyl) had a very close relationship with her family (immediate and extended) and many friends. She and her husband were involved in Sunday School group at Church of the Messiah, dinner groups with friends, and enjoyed season tickets at the Palace and Ohio Theatres as well as Otterbein University Theatre. They also traveled the world. She was a secretary starting out at IBM right out of high school and retiring at Ross Laboratories (Abbott Nutrition). Nicknamed Martha Stewart, Phylis was an amazing homemaker, cook, hostess and an avid sewer making clothes, curtains, recovering furniture and general gift items. Visiting her was like visiting a Bed and Breakfast! She now rests in peace reunited with Jim, her husband of 47 years.
Survived by her daughter, Kelly (Matt) Rieser of Westerville; son, James J. (Aimee) Keane, III of Milton, Ga; grandchildren, Emily and Cailyn Rieser, and Hunter Keane.
Preceded in death by husband James J. Keane. All are welcome to join the Celebration of Life Service to be held at Church of the Messiah, 51 N. State Street, Westerville, Saturday, September 16th at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Otterbein University Theatre (please go to https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/10431/donations/new, select "Other" for designation and type fund area "Theatre & Dance program," or indicate the fund area on your check and mail to Otterbein Institutional Advancement, 1 S. Grove Street, Westerville, Ohio, 43081. For questions or help, please contact Kathleen Bonte at (614) 823-2707.) or Church of the Messiah in memory of Phylis Keane.
