Phyllis Elaine Shield Felter passed away in Kentucky on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Corning NY on June 5, 1937 to Frank and Florence Wheeler Shield. After her mother died, she was raised by Frank and Clara Shield.
Phyllis graduated from Corning Free Academy in 1955 . She graduated from Arnot Ogden School of Nursing in 1958 and Upsala College in 1961. She and her late husband, J. Knox Felter, Jr., married that same year.
Phyllis began her career as a nurse; she also worked in public health. She volunteered extensively for her church and for the Borough of Lebanon. When she and Knox moved to Penn Yan, she served as a literacy volunteer.
Everyone who knew Phyllis recognized her strength, which carried throughout her battles with cancer. Despite her own struggles, she was always caring about others and never stopped being a nurse. She was fun, loving, and kept her sense of humor.
Phyllis is predeceased by her husband Knox. She is survived by daughter Beth Crawford and her husband Greg; son John; son Eric and his wife Ann; daughter Julie Corman and her husband Scott; and daughter Heidi Garcia and her husband Ken. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and their families, including 3 great-grandchildren.
Phyllis is also survived by her sister Lois Dalrymple and her husband Jim; her brother Frank Shield and his wife Leona; and her sister-in-law Karen Shield; and predeceased by her brother Carl Shield.
A celebration of life will be held sometime in 2020. Burial will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Literacy Volunteers of Ontario-Yates County NY.
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