Phyllis Mary Ingell died peacefully on Thanksgiving morning, November 27, 2014 at the age of 97, in Ripon.  She was born in Willow Creek, Montana on August 1, 1917 to Walter and Lucile Crouse.  She was a resident of Ripon for the past 28 years, since she and her husband retired, selling their farm and home in Lockeford, CA.
   The oldest of five siblings, Phyllis graduated with a teaching credential from Oregon State University after graduating from Grants Pass High School. She was an elementary school teacher in Oregon and Acampo, California.  She was an avid gardener and farmer, conservationist (in the style common to survivors of the great depression), a studious and enthusiastic genealogist, enjoyed many crafts and hobbies including coin collection.  Phyllis had an exceptionally joyful spirit, beautiful smile and loving personality.  She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
   She is survived by her daughter Lynette McClain of Oakdale, son and daughter-in-law Walter and Betty Ingell of Ripon, five grandchildren: Sean McClain of Everett, WA, Meghan David of Nipoma, CA, Shelby McClain Hrbacek of Texas, Sarah Williams of Napa and Rachael Romine of Woodbridge, and her two surviving siblings, Walter Crouse of Grants Pass, and Doris Carlton of Seattle.  She is survived by five great-grandchildren, and numerous loving nieces and nephews.
   She was preceded in death by her husband Al Ingell, brother Ken Crouse, and sister Miriam Rademacher.
   Phyllis wishes will be honored with a private family remembrance and a celebration of life.  The family is thankful and appreciative of the tremendous loving care she received near the end of her life by the Bethany Home nursing staff.  Your thoughts and prayers will be appreciated.  Donations in Phyllis’s memory may be made to Bethany Home Foundation, 930 West Main Street, Ripon, CA 95366, Gifts of Love and Life of Manteca Soroptimist, PO Box 218, Manteca, CA 95366, or the charity of your choice.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin Tuesday, December 2, 2014