Presler, Phyllis Smith Mrs. Alden 1921-2012

PRESLER, ERICKSON, SMITH

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 4/18/2012 at 11:31:26

Phyllis (Smith) Presler,
Phyllis (Smith) Presler, 90, of Wakeman, OH, died Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011, at her home after a lengthy illness.
Services were held Dec. 29 at the Riddle Funeral Home of Vermilion, OH, with Military Honors by the Vermilion Veterans Council; on Friday, Dec. 30 at the Florence Congregational Church in Birmingham, OH, with the Rev. R. Kelly Clemens officiating.
Inurnment will be in Cable Cemetery at a later date.
Phyllis Jane Smith, the daughter of Harry Albert and Nellie Olivia (Erickson) Smith, was born April 19,1921 at Ireton. She attended Ireton Public School, graduating with the class of 1938. She studied teaching and home economics at Iowa State College for four years, whereupon she began a career in teaching and coaching girls' basketball at Westfield. IA.
She enlisted in the Women's Army Corps soon after World War II began, training at Fort Des Moines and serving stateside in Arizona and the Southwest. After the war, she received her Masters Degree in Education from Iowa State University, where she met and married Alden Presler. Over the years, she taught economics in Arizona and Iowa, (including Maurice and Ireton); worked for many years with the Agriculture Extension Service in Sioux County; and completed her career teaching home economics in the Cleveland area, and adult education for the Cleveland Board of Education. Phyllis was an active member of Presbyterian churches wherever she lived, and a willing worker for the Florence Congregational Church in retirement. She was a life member of AMVETS and the American Legion, and was also active with the Firelands Garden Club. She was a skilled seamstress, homemaker and cook who loved time with family, gardening and international travel.
Phyllis is survived by her husband, a son, two daughters, six grandchildren, two sisters including Ardis Eilts of Ireton, and several cousins.
She was preceded in death by a son and brother-in-law.
Source: Hawarden Independent of Jan 5, 2012.