Phyllis M Elliott, 70, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away August 4, 2008, at St. Mary's Medical Center after suffering a stroke. She was born October 31, 1937, in North Hollywood, California and moved to Evansville in 1970.

Phyllis, a loving wife and mother and devoted friend, is survived by her beloved husband of 25 years, Dr. David Kissel; daughters Amy Elliott Ubelhor and her husband, Ted, of Evansville, Kate Elliott of Nevada City, California, and Nora Elliott Epplen and her husband, Brian, of Medina, Ohio. She was known as "Oma" to the true joys of her life, her grandchildren:  Eli and Emma Claire Ubelhor, Jared and Nick Epplen, and Noah Tecklin. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Bruce Anderson of Corona del Mar, California; and nephews, Kevin and Anker Anderson; as well as a tight-knit circle of "Chill" friends.

After receiving a BA from San Jose State University, Phyllis then received her MA from the University of Evansville, School of Education in Counseling. She held a Clinical Membership with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and was an approved Clinical Supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Phyllis was in private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist for 35 years. Concurrently, she was a campus minister with the University of Evansville Newman Center; a Director of Industrial Training and Development and Dean of Academic Affairs at Indiana Vocational Technical College; worked with the Concern program with Deaconess Hospital; was influential in the beginning of Hospice in Evansville; helped to develop the outpatient practice, Mulberry Psychological and Counseling Associates with Welborn Hospital/St. Mary's Medical Center; and was a founding partner of AHA (Architects of Human Awareness), a counseling and consulting firm.

Phyllis loved life. She enjoyed traveling, creating art and celebrating every occasion with family and friends and tradition. She will be missed by those whose lives she touched.

Evansville Courier & Press, August 6, 2008