Phyllis Jean Einspahr

Phyllis Jean Sullivan was born Feb. 6, 1933, to Lawrence and Pauline (Cheramy) Sullivan in Paoli at the home of her Sullivans’ grandparents. Four years later, she was joined by twin sisters, Joyce and Jeanette.

Phyllis attended grade school in Paoli, and graduated from Haxtun High School in 1951. After graduation, she was employed at First National Bank in Holyoke.

She married Clyde Einspahr Aug. 3, 1952, and they celebrated their 73rd anniversary four days before her death. She passed away at Regent Park Care Facility at the age of 92 on Aug. 7, 2025.

The couple had three children: Allen, Paula and Gayln. Phyllis and Clyde farmed together for 59 years. She was actively involved in all aspects of the farming operation from driving truck and tractor to preparing harvest meals. She milked cows, raised chickens and had an abundant garden, among other farm tasks. She canned much of her produce and especially enjoyed her fresh tomatoes. Her rose garden was another source of great pride. And raising kittens was a favorite hobby.

She had a strong faith and was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke for more than 70 years.

Phyllis was known for the delicious cookies that she shared with family and friends, and she was also an accomplished seamstress. She baked all birthday cakes for her grandchildren and also embroidered tea towels for all her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed being part of a local bridge club, as well as Eureka Club.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Joyce (Harold) Lundgren and Jeanette Hinde, and sisters-in-law Vivian (Gene) Ruby and Marlys (Bob) Harp.

She is survived by her husband, Clyde of Holyoke; her children, Allen (Amy) Einspahr, Paula (Gary) Carper and Gayln Einspahr, all of Holyoke; grandchildren, Amber (Aaron) Sprague of Holyoke, Adam Einspahr of Holyoke, Abby Einspahr of Long Beach, California, Phawn (Coltin) Houghtelling of Holyoke, Kyle (Erin) Carper of Holyoke and Hannah Gilmore of Gainesville, Texas; 10 great-grandchildren Miles, Wyatt, Reid, Lia and Raia Sprague, Camden, Cole and Phallan Houghtelling and Rylan and Raelynn Carper; brothers-in-law Wilbur Hinde of Haxtun and Byron Einspahr of St. Petersburg, Florida; numerous nieces, nephews and friends; and her beloved cat Lucky.

Funeral services were conducted Aug. 12 at Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke, with Pastor Gary Rahe officiating. Interment followed at the Holyoke cemetery.

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