Phyllis Cadwallader

Phyllis (Oakerson) Cadwallader, 94, of Modoc, died peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, December 2, 2025, surrounded by her family in the comfort of her home. She was born April 29, 1931, in Winchester, Indiana, the only daughter and oldest of four children of the late John and Letha (Hodson) Oakerson. Phyllis grew up on the family farm in Modoc, where early mornings milking cows by hand helped shape the strong work ethic and determination that stayed with her all her life. Phyllis was one of just six graduates in the Modoc High School Class of 1949. Shortly after graduation, she married the love of her life, Robert Edwin Cadwallader, on June 11, 1949. They built a home and life together in Modoc, filled with hard work, fun, and a deep love for family. For 35 years, Phyllis was a dedicated employee of Dana Corporation in Hagerstown and later in Richmond. For the first three decades, she handled payroll, taking pride in doing things accurately and on time, and she finished her career in inside sales. Competitive by nature, Phyllis enjoyed anything that let her test her skills—bowling, a good horse race, and even arm-wrestling her grandchildren, which always brought laughter to family gatherings. She loved reading romance novels, working Sudoku puzzles, and playing cards, especially when it meant time spent around the table with those she loved. Phyllis was an enthusiastic IU and Pacers basketball fan and enjoyed traveling and seeing new places, with favorite trips to New York, Florida, and Tennessee. Her love of music began early as she played the piano at church, and she continued to enjoy old-time country music throughout her life. If the sun was shining, Phyllis wanted to be outside. She found joy in being in her yard, working in the sunshine, and simply soaking in the day. Above all, Phyllis cherished her family and friends. Weekend get-togethers, shared meals, and long card games were some of her happiest times, and her home was always a welcoming place where people laughed, talked, and felt at ease. Those left to treasure her memory include her daughter, Nancy Small of Modoc; her son, Brad (Tammy) Cadwallader of Modoc; grandchildren, Ricky (Diane) Bellis of New York, Bradley (Kelly) Lips of Plymouth, Nicki (Jason) Manning of New Castle, and Amanda (Marc) Oliphant; 17 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Ronnie (Sherry) Oakerson of Farmland; a sister-in-law, Sonnie Oakerson of Losantville; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Cadwallader, in 2002; a son, Richard Cadwallader; a daughter, Sheryl Lips; and two brothers, Gene (Karen) Oakerson and Boone Oakerson. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Sproles Family Funeral Home with Pastor David Cassity officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Losantville. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service on Monday. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to care for and serve the family of Phyllis (Oakerson) Cadwallader.

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Phyllis Cadwallader

April 29, 1931 - December 2, 2025