Phyllis Jane (Smith) Lash, age 88, of Kendallville, passed away Friday, December 13, 2024, at Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville. Mrs. Lash was born in Kendallville, Indiana on May 7, 1936, to the late Warren Nelson Smith and Viola Emilie Mae (Hammel) Smith.

She was a 1950 graduate of St. John Lutheran School and a 1954 graduate of Kendallville High School. On January 28, 1955, she married Eugene Warren "Gene" Lash at St. John Lutheran Church in Kendallville where she was a lifetime member. Gene preceded her in death on October 4, 2018.

Phyllis was employed as a clerk at P.N. Hirsch & Company in the 1960's and 70's. She also worked at The Nobleman Menswear store and Home Sweet Home Florist in Kendallville. She enjoyed decorating churches and reception halls for weddings and events and delivering flowers all over Kendallville and the surrounding area. She enjoyed working with people and meeting customers every day.

After she retired, she loved working in her yard, caring for her plants and flowers, and decorating her home for the holidays, especially Christmas, and special occasions. She loved her family the most and loved every moment she spent with them. Phyllis was deeply loved, and she will be greatly missed. 

Survivors include:
Daughter, Cheryl and Keith Ellert of Waldron Lake, near Rome City. 
Son, Randy Lash of Kendallville.
Daughter, Janie and Doug Shull of Massillon, Ohio.
Son, Kristopher and Sherry Lash of Middlebury.
Daughter, Michelle and Kent Yoder of New Paris.
15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
Brother, James "Jimmy" Smith of Auburn.
Sister-in-law, Linda Smith of Albion.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Viola Smith; her husband, Gene Lash; two brothers, Max Smith and Kenneth Smith; and two sisters, Janice Thacker and Evelyn Gibson; and a sister-in-law, Willa (Goodman) Smith.  

Visitation and funeral service will be held Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Visitation will take place from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home. Pastor Philip Rigdon will conduct the funeral. 

Memorial donations may be made to Lutheran Life Villages of Kendallville.