Phyllis Ann Wolfe

Phyllis Ann Wolfe, 86, went to be with God on June 4, 2021, at St Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City, Missouri, with family by her side. She was born at home in Sellersburg, Indiana, on August 2, 1934 to the late Pete and Dorothy Vogel (Loucks). She married Maynard C. McRae of Sellersburg, Indiana and had seven children with him while traveling across the world as Maynard was in the United States Air Force. While in France she met Michael Wolfe of Holyoke, Massachusetts, whom she married upon her return to the United States and had one daughter. Phyllis continued her job history as a government employee working for the United States Air Force and retired as a computer systems analyst. She had many friends in her long career, frightened some of them with her strong work ethic and assertive independence, did not suffer fools lightly and always enjoyed a good practical joke.

After her retirement she sold her home, bought a camper and a truck, and travelled the country with her faithful dog Suzie who protected her, and her shoes, from all predators. She travelled around visiting with her children in their towns so she could offer wise advice - asked for or not - and usually delivered it in an unconventional way until settling down in an old friend’s property for a lengthy stay and much fun with her siblings in Sellersburg, Indiana. Phyllis moved to Naples, Florida for an extensive stay with son Jay and his partner Jimmy, moved to Jefferson City, Missouri to live with daughter Dotty and her husband Alan, moved to Knoxville, Tennessee with Jay, then moved with Jay again to Panama City, Florida, then back to Missouri with Dotty and Alan when Hurricane Michael forced her out of Florida. After serious deliberation Phyllis chose to move to an assisted living facility in Clarksville, Indiana where she spent two years, mostly under COVID-19 quarantine. Phyllis moved for the last time to St Joseph Bluffs, a skilled nursing facility in Jefferson City, Missouri to be closer to her daughter Dotty for medical needs. Phyllis suffered with what she called a self-imposed disease of COPD and needed more assistance than previously; however, she never let it stop her from traveling, seeing the sights, enjoying her solitude, dishing out advice to everyone and enjoying happy hour. During all of her travels and moves, across the country and the world, she continued her love of music and instilled that in her children, as well.

She was preceded in death by brothers Daniel and Timothy, sister June and son Maynard “Jay” McRae. Survivors include her children Mary Ellen Pettis (Hercules) of Panama City, Florida, Dorothy “Dotty” Sanning (Alan) of Jefferson City, Missouri, Patricia Smith (Nick) of Mechanicsville, Maryland, Gregory McRae (Denise) of Amston, Connecticut, David McRae (Michelle) of Sellersburg, Indiana, Timothy McRae (Sheri) of Huntsville, Alabama, and Kirsten Agee (Tim) of Pelham, Alabama; sisters Mary Canter, and Jane Briscoe (Barrett), and brother Mike Vogel (Stephanie) all of Sellersburg, Indiana. Phyllis also leaves behind 17 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.  All will cherish her memories and continue to tell stories about her. Everyone will have the memories of her bird watching, reading, watching football, traveling, playing piano & singing, doing puzzles, and of course enjoying boxed wine. Phyllis – sister, mom, mother-in-law, grandma, great-grandma, aunt, boss, professional, and friend – will be missed and thought of daily.

A memorial service will be held in Panama City, Florida on June 13 for family only. An additional memorial service will be held on June 26 in Sellersburg, Indiana, at the American Legion, for family and friends.