Phyllis Jean Chaney

Phyllis Jean Chaney, age 81, of Midvale, died Thursday, August 13, 2009, in Aultman Hospital with her family by her side. A daughter to the late John C. and Mildred F. (Donahie) Hunker, Phyllis was born on July 6, 1928 at Dover , Ohio . Phyllis attended New Philadelphia Schools and following graduation met and fell in love with a young man named Robert Chaney. The couple married on October 25, 1948. Together they reared two daughters and shared in thirty-three years of marriage until his passing August 21, 1982. In 1961 the couple purchased a small gas station located at Brightwood . For the next twenty-two years the family would own and operate Chaney’s Brightwood SOHIO and Convenience Store. As an active member of Sacred Heart Church at New Philadelphia Phyllis enjoyed the numerous friendships she made and enjoyed sharing stories with those friends as she participated in the Altar Society, LCBA, and the Sacred Heart Senior Citizens. Phyllis also enjoyed sharing time with former classmates during frequent lunch gatherings. When not visiting with friends, Phyllis could be found enjoying a good book or spending time researching her family genealogy. She also loved to bake and spend time with her children and grandchildren. Phyllis truly enjoyed the many pets that members of her own family cared for and was always delighted when they would come for visits. She will be missed by those she referred to as her “grand-pets” dogs, Micki, Spot, Thunder, Darbi, Sadie Mae, and Ari; as well as a cat, Walter. Phyllis leaves behind her two daughters, Mildred (Robert) Edder and Roberta J. (Michael) Milligan both of New Philadelphia and two grandchildren, Staci (Matthew) Reed of Gambier, Ohio and Robert Gebelin also of New Philadelphia . Five step-grandchildren, Amber Myers, Mackenzi “Tike”Fahner , Travis, April and Elizabeth Milligan as well as seven step-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews complete the family. In addition to her parents and husband, Phyllis was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Thomas Hunker; three sisters, Eileen Linard, Betty Ruth Jenkins, and Mary “Molly” Siber as well as three nieces and four nephews. The family would like to express a sincere gratitude to the staff of the Palliative Care Unit of Aultman Hospital. The kindness and care given to Phyllis and the family during her illness will not be forgotten. In keeping with her wishes there will be no public visitation or services. A private graveside service was held in Holmes Church Cemetery where Phyllis was laid to rest next to her husband, Robert. Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to the Sacred Heart Altar Society, 139 Third Street NE , New Philadelphia , Ohio 44663 .