Phyllis Mary Tincher

Age 87, passed away Sunday, August 25, 2024. She was born January 25, 1937 in Grosse Pointe Farms, a suburb of Detroit, Michigan to Florence and Omar Klinger. She was proud of her city and the University of Michigan football team, often recalling how her father turned up the record player full blast to play the fight song. 

Phyllis and her younger sister Sandy made a lifetime of memories that could always bring back a smile or giggle. She found love with the boy she practically grew up with, Allan. They were married 53 years until his passing. Allan and Phyllis were best friends who traveled the world together, to see old friends or explore somewhere new.

A proud mother of 4, grandmother of 7, and great-grandmother of 10, Phyllis could always be counted on for a comforting hug, encouraging word, or a solid laugh when it was needed most. She encouraged her family to pursue their own passions in life. Phyllis was always up for an adventure, big or small, sometimes at a moment’s notice with them.

Phyllis loved to laugh and be with friends. She enjoyed a fun gathering to chat, learn a new craft, or simply enjoy some fresh air. Her parties were famously unique, from fundraising soup parties to Asian-themed events where her guests could enjoy communal eating from a low table while seated on the floor. Phyllis was also a tennis buff, forever carrying tennis balls in her over-sized purse and keeping rackets in the back seat of her car in case she wanted to play a game on a whim. Unwilling to miss a moment of a key match, she once hung up the phone on a friend because the French Open finals had just begun.

Phyllis led a life of volunteerism, seeking to better the lives of people within her community. She believed in people and had a magnetism that drew others to the causes she held close to her heart. As a young mother hoping to instill a mindset of kindness and service, she took her children door to door in support of a candidate, and as they grew older, she had them fold bulletins at church the night before services. One of her most significant accomplishments as president of the Lakeland Medical Center hospital auxiliary, Phyllis led a fundraising team to purchase an MRI machine, one candy bar at a time. She was also an enthusiastic member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) whose aims are based in knowledge and charity, their objective to help women to cover their costs as they advance their education often through to a PhD level.

Above all, Phyllis imbued hope and curiosity, often going the extra mile to truly listen, understand, and encourage those she encountered. She saw the best in people as she showed sincere kindness and calm even in times of difficulty. She was someone people simply wanted to be around, making her a great friend, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Phyllis was a beloved treasure and is deeply missed.

Her family extends a heartfelt thank you for the compassionate care shown by the staff at The Waters of White Bear Lake and Gentiva Hospice.

Phyllis was predeceased by her husband, Allan, and son, Douglas. Survivors include her sister, Sandra Cox of Waco, TX, her two sons Allan (Cheryl), and Steven (Karen); daughter-in-law Joy, her daughter Joan, 7 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at 10:00 AM followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 20th at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi MN.

Memorial contributions may be directed to PEO Cottey College on behalf of Phyllis Tincher / Chapter BF to: Cottey College, 1000 W. Austin Blvd, Nevada, MO 64772 or Cottey.edu