Phyllis R. (Heilman) Clemens

Phyllis Rose (Heilman) Clemens, 87, of Defiance, passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. She was born on November 3, 1937, in Defiance, to LaVern (Heidepriem) and Cassius Heilman. On July 6, 1957, she married Ken Clemens.

Phyllis dedicated her life to her family as a devoted stay-at-home mom, caretaker and later worked part-time as her daughters grew older at Don's Jewelry Store, Kmart, and Wendt Shoes. She took great pride in her flower gardens, which brought her immense joy each year. Phyllis also found joy in drawing and painting, reading, camping, spending time with her cherished family, and meeting new people.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, a great grandchild, Hanna Albertson,  her sisters, Beverly (Bob) Smith and Pat (Tony) Pessefall and her aunt, Alice Heidepriem.

She is survived by her three cherished daughters: Cindy (Troy) Hatcher of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Connie (Chuck) Pollauf of Monclova, Ohio; and Candi (Dave) Bruback of Napoleon, Ohio. Phyllis was a proud grandmother to five grandchildren: Tina, Leslie, Adam, Kennedy, and Elliot. She was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren:Taylor, Hanna, Chloe, Tye, Harley, Macy and Andrew and one great-great-grandson Weston. Phyllis is also survived by her loving sister, Penny (Jim) Elieff.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 11:00 am in St. John's Catholic Church.  Visitation will take place at the church one hour prior to Mass from 10:00 am - 11:00 am. 

Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. John's Catholic Church.

Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family of Phyllis.

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