Phyllis J. Merritt, 86, formerly of Athens Twp. passed away Friday, December 23, 2011 at Robert Packer Hospital following a brief illness. She was born November 13, 1925 in Sayre, PA the daughter of the late George and Helen Kellogg Corneby. Phyllis loved to prepare Sunday dinners for her family after which she enjoyed playing games with her children. She was a 1944 graduate of Athens Area High School of which she was extremely proud of that accomplishment. Phyllis and her husband were members of the Penny Promenades and the Skiff Bower Post V.F.W. #1536 and its’ Auxiliary. Phyllis was employed with the Blue Swan Sayre Lingerie, and a Hostess at McDonalds in Sayre. She enjoyed roller skating, dancing, and gardening. She is predeceased by her husband of 63 years Leslie in 2009, son Wayne in 2006, and siblings Evelyn, Grace, Geraldine, Stanley, and Keith. Phyllis is survived by her children Steven and Peggy Merritt of Athens, PA, and Cathy and Tom Bolesta of Sweet Valley, PA, 6 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, sister Joyce Blair of Athens, PA, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends and family may call on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 from 10am-11am at the Jay E. Lowery Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 225 South Main Street, Athens, PA. Funeral Services will follow at the Funeral Home at 11am with the Rev. Gary Culver officiating. Burial will be in Tioga Point Cemetery, Athens, PA. A "Heartfelt Thank You" to the staff at the Towanda Skilled Nursing Unit for their excellent care and attention given to our loved one while she was a resident. We will never forget your kindness shown to her and our family. Donations may be made in Phyllis’s memory to: Towanda Skilled Nursing Unit Activities Fund, One Memorial Drive, Towanda, PA 18848.