Phyllis Ann Fecher

Phyllis Ann (McCord) Fecher, 93, passed away January 4, 2026, at Rush Memorial Hospital. She was born September 23, 1932, to Forrest Valentine McCord and Virginia Agnes (Smither) McCord; the fourth of six children and the last of her siblings to pass. On December 23, 1960, she married Vernon Dean Fecher, a fellow educator and beloved partner, who also passed before her on January 19, 1992. Phyllis earned her Bachelor’s in Education (1959) and Master of Arts in Education (1964) from Ball State Teachers College. She taught elementary school in Rushville for many years, retiring in 1991. Early in her career, she and nine fellow teachers formed the “Singing T’s,” traveling to share music in churches and schools – an experience she always treasured. A lifelong reader and dedicated genealogist, Phyllis loved tracing her family history and traveling to the places connected to her roots. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, where she served as secretary, historian, vice regent, and regent. She similarly volunteered with the National Historical Society, where she served as secretary and treasurer, spending countless hours carefully cataloging and preserving artifacts. She was further active in the Milroy Study Club and Psi Iota Xi. Phyllis had a steady heart for service and a sharp interest in the world around her. A proud Democrat and engaged citizen, she happily worked the polls on Election Day and later served her community as township assessor. She remained active in the Retired Teachers Association as secretary and volunteered with the Rushville Literacy Program, helping many individuals learn English. Raised in the church, Phyllis became especially active and was baptized after Vernon’s passing. She taught 3rd and 4th grade Sunday School, served as Bible School secretary, counted the offering, and helped with the Encouragers, a volunteer group that provided meals for church members. Her quiet acts of care meant a great deal to many, extending to animals as well, as Phyllis was a great lover of cats and birds. Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Beth Ann (Gordon) Stiers of Brownsburg and Linda Kay Laker (fiancé, Matt Parsons) of Manilla; five grandchildren, Joshua Allen (Bailey Harding) Stiers, Heath Christopher (Ashley Moffett) Laker, Kelsey Nicole (Erick) Opiyo (née Stiers), Mason McCord Laker (fiancé, Alexandra Van Vactor), and Regan Alyssa Laker; and four great-grandchildren, Kendra and Kallie Laker and Everett and “Baby” Opiyo. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. While neither page nor passage can capture her life, Phyllis was deeply loved, and her kindness, steady presence, and devotion to others will be carried forward by all who knew her. She will be dearly missed and always remembered. Graveside Services will be held Friday, January 9, 2026 at 11 AM in Raleigh Cemetery with Pastor Darryl Denney presiding.

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Phyllis Ann Fecher

September 23, 1932 - January 4, 2026