Phyllis Ann Ferrini passed away on Tuesday, June 6, at her home. She was born April 26, 1936, the only child of Warren and Margaret (McKinney) Bates. Phyllis was a member of Woodmar United Methodist Church. She grew up in Clinton, Indiana and made many happy memories with her dear cousins Chuck McKinney, Marilyn Butler, Susan Cole and especially Paula Gray. Phyllis was sickly as a child with asthma, so she was encouraged to play quietly. She and Paula spent their time going to the library bringing home a load of books-cultivating a love of reading that continued to her last days. Phyllis and Paula also loved cutting out paper dolls and going to the cinema every chance they got. Cousin Chuck has said Phyllis was the nicest cousin a kid could ever have!

Phyllis graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in art education. Upon graduating she began her teaching career in northern Indiana. She married Dr. Peter Ferrini in 1972 and they made their home in Munster. She relished being part of this large, loving Ferrini clan. Phyllis later began selling real estate, but art and her love of the arts was a constant in her life. She was very talented, and her home was filled with beautiful artwork. In addition to her art, she loved to entertain, play cards and mahjong with her friends, and travel with her beloved Pete. She was very dedicated to her mother, and they loved spending time together. She was sweet, intelligent, kind, well read (especially in politics) and very giving. She loved picking out just the right present for the recipient.

In addition to the above-mentioned cousins, she is also survived by cousins Rick and Julie Whitlock, April and David Ford, Joy Ann Whitlock, her special little art lover Lillian, and numerous Ferrini nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Pete and her parents Warren and Margaret Bates. We are so thankful for her long-time caregivers Iris Ferrer, Juanita Hulitt, Janice McNair, and Felicia Edwards. We are especially grateful to Bob and Lisa for their care and making it possible for Phyllis to remain in her cherished home until the end.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Road, Lansing, Illinois from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM with services immediately following, Father Charles Niblick will be officiating the services that will be conducted in the funeral home chapel. Phyllis will be laid to rest at St John/St Joseph Cemetery, Hammond, Indiana. Phyllis was loved by many, and she will be truly missed.