Phyllis I. (Dershem) Etzler, 81, of New Madison, passed away on January 28, 2011 at Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville. Phyllis was born in Preble County on February 12, 1929 to the late Aaron & Bertha (Bridgett) Dershem. Phyllis is a graduate of New Madison High School. She later worked and retired from FRAM after 25 years of service. Phyllis enjoyed knitting, fishing, and collecting salt and pepper shakers. She was also a member of Cedar Grove Church of the Brethren. Most of all, Phyllis enjoyed spending time with her family. In addition to her parents, Phyllis is preceded in death by a son, Jack Etzler; sisters, Margaret Boyer, Carolyn Stewart, Maxine Curtis and an infant sister. Phyllis leaves behind her husband of 56 years, Gerald Etzler; two sons, Jerald Etzler and Joe Etzler; a daughter, Jill Etzler; two grandchildren, Amanda Etzler-Farber and IO Etzler; two brothers, Lew Dershem and Glenn “Bill” Dershem; two sisters, Janet Waltz and Ruth Puterbaugh. The family will receive friends on Monday, January 31, 2011 from 4 – 6 PM at Cedar Grove Church of the Brethren, 373 Love Road, New Paris. A Celebration of Life service will be on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 10:30 AM with Pastor Tony Price officiating. The family will also receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service on Tuesday. Burial will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Cedar Grove Church, Brethren Retirement Community’s Residence Aid Fund or State of the Heart Hospice. Services are entrusted to Braund Funeral Home.
