Phyllis Irene (Bates) Gertz was born in Cleveland, Ohio, July 5, 1922, to Roy and Ruth Bates. She is preceded in death by her parents; sister: Margaret Delaney; husband of 69 years, Dick Gertz; daughter: Linda Wadleigh; son: Rick Gertz and granddaughter; Suzanne Dirr.

She leaves behind her daughter: Bonnie Dirr (Michael); grandchildren: Katie Dirr, Matt Dirr, Vicki Benson (Brent), Christie Miller and Richard Gertz III; great-grandchildren: Audrey and Andrew Benson, Ashley Scruggs and Kelsey Mobley; niece: Janet Delaney and nephew, Howard Delaney.

After 17 years in Washington, Phyllis and Dick moved to Athens in 1999 to be closer to family.

Phyllis was a long-time member of First Christian Church of Athens and loved being part of that fellowship.

Phyllis and Dick were childhood sweethearts and were together 75 years until his death in 2010. They enjoyed 7 years in Arizona after retirement, traveling, playing golf and entertaining. In NC, they were involved in many church activities including Meals on Wheels and Phyllis was the great organizer of the senior group’s many bus trips.

Phyllis was always an outdoor girl and as a child and adult she loved tennis, swimming and golf. She often spoke of her happy childhood and wonderful courtship with her husband to be.

For almost 95 years she was healthy and mobile but when God called, she listened. Her husband, Dick, was waiting for her and now he is at peace too.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or First Christian Church of Athens, GA.

A memorial service in her memory will take place at Lord and Stephens West Chapel at 2PM on Saturday, June 24, 2017.

The family wishes to thank everyone at Pruitt Health and Rehab Nursing Facility for their care and concern.

Lord & Stephens West (www.lordandstephens.com) is in charge of arrangements.