6/20/2018
Phyllis I. Derr, 90, of Garden Spot Village, formerly of Leola, Lewistown and Belleville, passed away on June 20, 2018. Born in Lewistown, PA, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Bertha Kratzer Swartz. She was the loving wife of the late Aloysius V. Derr Sr. who died in 2011.
Mrs. Derr was a teacher, principal and taught English as a second language. But more importantly, she was a fighter against Parkinson's Disease and had a strong will to help others. She learned tolerance and acceptance at an early age and taught all. A great role model in today's global world.
She was a life member of the PSEA and NEA; member of the PASR, LCCPASR, American Guild of Organists (past dean), PA Music Educators Assoc., Organist &Choir Director for many years; graduated from Susquehanna University; also studied at Temple and Millersville Universities. She completed her Masters work at Pennsylvania State University.
A member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Leola, she enjoyed music, her grandchildren, Penn State football, crocheting and traveling.
She will be lovingly missed by her son, Richard married to Joanne Derr of Barrington, IL; grandchildren, Erika Christopher (Kevin), Briana Derr, Jeffrey Derr (Alden), Meredith Bakken (J.J.).
A son, A. V. “Skip" Derr preceded her in death as did her brother, Karl Swartz (Alice).
The Celebration Service for Phyllis Derr will take place on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. from the Zion Lutheran Church, 18 Quarry Rd., Leola, PA 17540 with a greeting time from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Interment: Trumbauer Memorial Cemetery. Kindly omit flowers. Memorials welcomed Zion Lutheran Church.