Phyllis Lea Whitworth

Middletown...Phyllis Lea Benbow Whitworth, 96, resident of Middletown, passed away Wednesday at her home after an extended illness.She was born in Sulphur Springs, May 21, 1920, the daughter of Benjamin and Arminta Benbow.She was a graduate of Sulphur Springs High School and attended New Castle Business College.She worked in the Seniority Unit for General Motors in Anderson for over 20 years.She was an accomplished artist and studied at the John Herron Institute in Indianapolis. She also studied art at Ball State, University of Illinois, and with Dorothy Swan in Toronto, Canada.She was a member of the Sulphur Springs Christian Church, Order of the Eastern Star, Art Gallery, Indiana Artist Club and International Society of Artists. She had recently developed a love for horse racing.Her painting skills continued into artistry classes for many years, teaching in her home.She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband: Charles, her daughter: Janice Hoover, her granddaughter: Barbie Hoover brothers and sisters: Warren Benbow, Reva Heiney, Neva Daubenspeck and Florence Rutherford.Survivors include Nieces: Carol Ann (Dave) Hamilton of New Castle, Marilyn Kissick of New Castle, Sharon (Duane) Billingsley of Anderson, Diana (George) Detamore of Van Buren, Linda (Johnnie) Ballenger and nephews: Jack (Marilyn) Wolverton and Mike Daubenspeck, caregiver: Tina (Rob) Powers of Middletown.A Celebration of her life will be held on Monday at 11:00 am at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 118 South 5th, Middletown with Rev. C.J. Buskirk officiating.Burial will follow in Miller Cemetery, Middletown.Friends may call on Sunday from 4-7 PM at the funeral home..Memorials may be made to the Chrystal Peaks Youth Ranch, 19344 Innes Market Road, Bend, OR, 97703 or ARF, 1209 West Riggen Road, Muncie, Indiana 47303.Online Guestbook at: www.ballardandsons.comThe Ballard family is honored to celebrate the life of Phyllis whitworth with family and friends. SERVICES Visitation Sunday, July 17, 20164:00 PM - 7:00 PM Ballard and Sons, Middletown 118 South 5th Middletown, Indiana Celebration of Life Service Monday, July 18, 201611:00 AM Ballard and Sons, Middletown 118 South 5th Middletown, Indiana