Phyllis Ekovich, 93, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana passed away at her home, on Tuesday morning, October 17th, 2023.
Phyllis was born May 30th, 1930, at home in Springfield Township to the late Herbert and Velma (Howell) Moon. Phyllis’ husband Joe Ekovich bought and lived on one of the Scholl Farms where she has lived for nearly 70 years. They were dairy farmers and still today the farm is run by the third generation of Ekovich’s. She was involved in many organizations in La Porte County. She belonged to the La Porte County Republicans, was a substitute teacher, a 4-H leader, a Sunday School teacher for 10 years, and the President and Vice President of the extension homemaker, which she belonged to for 64 years. She was a County Steady Stitchers volunteer for six years, a District Representative, State Representative, and President of AMPI, a Representative to Washington twice for Indiana, Jr. Holstein Leaders, and Dairy Barn Superintendent for 15 years at La Porte County Fair. She showed cattle at La Porte County Fair, Crown Point Indiana, Indiana State Fair, and Madison, Wisconsin. Phyllis traveled extensively. She has been to every state in the United States except Delaware and North Dakota. She also has been to Canada, Mexico, South America, and Europe. She has taken several cruises. When she was asked where her favorite place was that she had traveled to, she said her cruise to Alaska. For 21 years she had spent her winters in Florida, where she was involved with the park's annual fund-raising sale and auction. She was Secretary and President of the Park HOA of Florida. Phyllis came from a long line of strong,take-charge women. She told us her great-grandmother came from Germany and worked on a freighter at 17 years old to come to America even though she had no family or friends in America. She belonged to many churches, Methodist, Catholic, Wesleyan, and Liberty Bible. She always sent birthday and anniversary cards, but not through Facebook or the internet. She was old school and would send real cards through the mail. She wrote letters to longtime friends. She also had a very full and blessed life with many friends and acquaintances along the way. Even though she grew up during the depression, she always had an extremely positive attitude. She loved to dance, sing, and bowl. She donated to and supported many charities. She enjoyed her cats; they made her laugh and gave her comfort even toward the end.
Phyllis is survived by her six children, Peggy (George) Grzesiowski of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, Mike (Pam) Ekovich of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, Barb (Mike) Berby of La Porte, Indiana, Mary McLean of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, Joe (Judy) Ekovich of La Porte, Indiana, and Tom (Cindy) Ekovich of Lansing, Michigan; 16 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Ilene (Moon) Zona, Paul (Ruth Moon, and Herb Moon; and a large extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Paul Gropp; her second husband, Joseph Ekovich; her third husband, Olin Daley; her eldest son, Paul Allen Gropp; two infant grandchildren; her sister, Beverly Wolff; and her last significant other, Paul Deutcher.
Visitation will be from 2-7 p.m. Friday, October 20th, 2023, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 21st, 2023, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, where family and friends may visit from 10 a.m. until the time services at 11 a.m. on Saturday in the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can go to her favorite charities, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and 4-H Club of La Porte County.
To light a virtual candle, share a story of Phyllis‘ life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please visit www.EsslingFuneralHome.
