October 1, 1930 – November 22, 2022
Phyllis J. Rinkenberg, 92, Sheridan, passed away in the afternoon of Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at Maple Park Village in Westfield following a battle with recently identified cancer. Born on October 1, 1930, in Plymouth, Ind., she was the daughter of the late Floyd and Zula (Kaufman) Maxson.
She attended and graduated from Plymouth schools. During her senior year she began a two-year employment at a local ice cream and cottage cheese factory.
Phyllis married Robert L. Rinkenberg on June 13, 1948, in Plymouth, Ind. They celebrated 64 wonderful years of marriage prior to his passing on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013. Together they journeyed through life as a Wesleyan pastor and wife, serving Indiana churches. Their journey began in 1955 at Plummer’s Chapel, and would later include serving congregations at Fowler, LaOtto, and Fairmount before settling in Sheridan, where they served for 19 years, retiring in 1990. During this time, she served in numerous capacities, including Sunday school teacher, women’s group leader, church office secretary, and Central Indiana Camp office manager.
Phyllis was best known by her grandchildren for making excellent pies and sugar cookies. Her family and friends benefitted from her gentle smile and dedicated prayer life. She enjoyed crocheting afghan blankets and doll clothes and had an extensive doll collection encompassing several rooms of their small house.
Phyllis is survived by her sons, J. Stephen (Melanie) Rinkenberg of Milford, Del., Bud (Sue) Rinkenberg of Kokomo, Ind., and Keith (Ellen) Rinkenberg of Sheridan; brother, Dennis (Lettie) Maxson of Plymouth, Ind.; grandchildren, Tiffany, Samantha, Andrea, Laura, Jennifer, Jodi, James, Jacob and Joel; and more than a dozen great-grandchildren (with another great-grandchild due very soon).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Zula (Kaufman) Maxson; sisters, Vivian Rankert, Audrey Keller, and Marjorie Bowen; brothers, Floyd Maxson, Jr. and Richard Maxson; granddaughter, Kathryn Rinkenberg; and by her husband, Reverend Robert Rinkenberg.
Services will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, November 28, 2022, at Six Points Church, 1545 W. 226th St., Sheridan, with visitation from 3 p.m. until the time of service.
An Interment Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, in the Chapel at New Oak Hill Cemetery, 1300 Chester St., Plymouth, Ind. Pastor Scott McDermid will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be presented to the Six Points Wesleyan Church, 1545 W. 226th St., Sheridan, IN 46069.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com