Phyllis Blair Wallis

Phyllis B. Wallis, 99, passed away on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. She was born on March 17, 1923, in Indianapolis, IN, the daughter of Chester and Lillian (Burgdoerfer) Blair. Phyllis graduated from Southport High School, the Class of 1941. She met Don Wallis in 1939 on a New Year’s Eve blind date. They were married on September 9, 1945, in Indianapolis, when Don returned home after WWII. Phyllis graduated from Lawrence University in 1947 with a Bachelor’s Degree in music with an emphasis in organ and piano, and was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota.

Phyllis and Don raised their family in Wheaton, IL before returning to Appleton in 1971. Phyllis taught private piano lessons and played as a substitute organist with several area churches. She was a member of PEO since 1967.

Phyllis is survived by her 3 daughters: Pam Wallis, Barbara (Wayne) Pichon, and Donna (Byrl) Eddy; 6 grandchildren: Sarah (Ben) Springer, Kate (Tim) Pichon-Hellmann, Nicole (Jake) Szajkowski, Byrl Everett (Samantha) Eddy, Byron Wallis (Joanna) Eddy, and Jonathan Conrad (Ella Gray) Eddy Gray; 16 great grandchildren; and a nephew: Rick (Lindsey) Scheinert.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Don, of 64 years, and a sister: Eva (Dick) Scheinert.

Memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, April 8, 2022, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 724 East South River St, Appleton. Inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Appleton. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to your favorite charity.

Phyllis’ family would like to thank the caregivers at the Heritage and ThedaCare at Home and Hospice for their care, kindness, and compassion.