Yvonne Joan Phegley

Yvonne Joan Phegley, lovingly known as Jo, passed away on September 28, 2026, in Beech Grove, Indiana. She was born on January 10, 1936, in Jasonville, Indiana.

Jo will be remembered as a woman of deep love, warmth, and grace. She brought a calm and bubbly presence wherever she went, always wearing a smile and treating others with kindness. Those who knew her remember her as one of the sweetest people they had ever known, someone who loved unconditionally, remained steady no matter what was happening around her, and filled the lives around her with comfort, joy, and lasting memories.

She worked as a cosmetician at Walgreens, serving others with the same care and personal touch that marked every part of her life. Beyond her work, Jo was a gifted and creative woman whose hands were rarely still. She loved crafts and painting, and she took special delight in collecting birdhouses, owls, amber glass, and tin cans. She was also an amazing seamstress, making her children’s clothes and even sewing her daughter’s wedding dress, a lasting expression of her love and talent.

Her family will remember the many traditions and simple pleasures that made time with her so special. She loved cooking together and sharing stories, and her kitchen became the setting for countless treasured moments. Her banana pudding, the world’s best dumplings, bologna salad, and the cookies she was known for making will be remembered with affection. Thursday night dinners, decorating for Christmas, and her spirited wisdom about life all became part of the legacy she leaves behind. She taught those around her to enjoy life fully, to hold close the people you love, and to carry joy and confidence through every season.

One cherished family remembrance captures her beautifully: “Grandma was the sweetest woman I’ve ever known. The one who loved us all with her whole heart. The one who was always proud of us no matter what. Oh Grandma you will forever be missed. You and Grandpa have shown us the greatest love story we will ever know. I am forever thankful for all the memories and things you’ve taught me over the years...and the fact that you never really allowed me to be in trouble for anything.” Her family also remembers her for her love, her stories, her gentle humor, and all the little moments that will be cherished forever.

One of the greatest blessings of Jo’s life was her enduring love with her husband, David Phegley. Jo and David would have celebrated 72 years of marriage on Christmas Day, and she was his true love. Their marriage stood as a beautiful example of devotion and faithfulness, inspiring all who knew them.

Jo is survived by her beloved husband, David Phegley; her children, Kerry Phegley, Kelly Phegley, and Kathy Coates; her sister, Vicki Gardner; and her grandchildren, Michael Phegley, Stephanie Coates, Matthew Coates, Michelle Quinn, Kristy Davis, Valerie Bailey, Christopher Coates, Amanda Gorney, Kyle Phegley, Spencer Phegley, and Hunter Phegley.  She also leaves behind 15 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren with number on 5 on the way.  Each of them carries forward memories of her love, her encouragement, her laughter, and the special ways she made every family gathering feel like home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Violet Hill; her son, Kevin Phegley; and her brother, Melvin Hill.

Visitation will be held on October 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Shangrila Chapel, 1444 US-52, Fountaintown, Indiana 46130 with a funeral service officiated by Rev. Danny Thomas at 12:00 pm at the same location.  Jo will be laid to rest on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 11:00 am at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 1977 S. State Road 135, Greenwood, Indiana, 46143.

Jo leaves behind a legacy of tenderness, creativity, and steadfast love. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives were made brighter by her presence.

Online condolences can be left for the family at www.bellmortuary.com