Phyllis A. (Pelz) Morken, 95, a lifelong Fort Wayne resident, passed away Thursday May 30, 2024, at Heritage Pointe on St Joe Rd. Phyllis was born on November 27, 1928, the beloved daughter of (the late) George and Florence Eckles. She graduated from Central High School with the Class of '46 and worked in the accounting dept. at International Harvester until she started her family. A devoted member of Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church, she lived a life of faith and community service.

Phyllis shared a wonderful life of 35 years with her husband, John E. Morken, until his early death in 1986. Together they raised 10 children including three sets of twins; 25 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren. Their home was the heart of countless family gatherings throughout the years, filled with love and cherished memories.

Phyllis rejoined the workforce in 1972, as the office manager for Skelgas Corp., until her retirement in 1989. Her retirement years were vibrant and full of activities; she loved playing cards with family & friends and singing in the Senior Saints Choir who brought joy to residents of local nursing homes. She enjoyed her time with the Red Hats Club, and she was also an avid sports fan, cheering passionately for Notre Dame, the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and the Boston Celtics…with a special admiration for Larry Bird!

The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to the care staff at Heritage Pointe. Their love and care made Mom feel blessed and cherished. They took the best care of our mother. Our heartfelt appreciation to Anna and her family, Mom's dear friend and 'partner in crime', for the joy and companionship they shared together.

She is survived by her children; Ed (Debbie) Morken, Susan (Eric) Olsanski, Nancy Gibson, Sally (Tim) Walter, Vince (Debra) Morken, Peggy (Keith) Dray, all of Fort Wayne; Patty (Graham) Todd of Indianapolis and Carol (Rex) Moehring of Noblesville. She was preceded in death by her husband, John E. Morken; son, John Morken; daughter, Joan Yoder; grandson, Vincent Brown; sister, Marjorie Ellenwood; brother, Kenneth Eckels; son-in-law, Robert Gibson.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00pm Monday June 3, 2024, in Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church, 7215 St. Joe Road. Visitation from 10:00am-12:00pm in the church. Burial in Catholic Cemetery. A catered luncheon and reception will follow, at Our Lady of Good Hope. All are invited to attend and continue sharing those great stories and remembrances of Phyllis.

Arrangements through Divine Mercy Lake Avenue Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. The family's preferred memorials are Masses, or to Humane Fort Wayne, online at https://humanefw.org/donate or by mail to 4914 S. Hanna St., Fort Wayne, IN 46806. To share a remembrance of Phyllis or to offer condolences to her family, please visit DivineMercyFuneralHome.com.

Phyllis' memory will forever live in the hearts of those who knew her. Her words of wisdom, quick wit and laughter will continue to inspire us all.

Mom, we love you fond and true.

Donations

The family's preferred memorials are Masses, or to Humane Fort Wayne, online at https://humanefw.org/donate or by mail to 4914 S. Hanna St., Fort Wayne, IN 46806.