Phyllis Argabright Elsey

Cradled in the loving presence of her adoring family, Phyllis Argabright Elsey died Saturday morning (Dec. 10) at age 86 following a long illness. A lifelong resident of Madison County, Phyllis was born May 9, 1930 to Carl and Thelma Whiteman of rural Pendleton. Her outgoing personality and natural gift with people led Phyllis to several memorable career stops including Life of Virginia Insurance Company in Anderson, where she was a sales agent. She later resumed her education at Anderson University and enjoyed a second career with the Indiana Department of Corrections where she served as a state parole officer until her retirement in 1995. Like countless other of her Greatest Generation, in 1946, Phyllis married Joseph "Joe" Argabright, a young veteran returning from World War II service with the U.S. Navy. Through the course of their loving marriage they welcomed five children, forging a tight-knit family unit that remains strong today. After Joe's death in 1980 Phyllis later married Lenus Elsey of Anderson. An accomplished painter, Phyllis was a person of enthusiastic artistic expression. Her work provided great joy to many people, and she was a proud member of the Art Association of Madison County. She also loved music, expressing her creativity on the organ. Phyllis was also a supporter of the Anderson Symphony and the Anderson Center for the Arts. Her life was shaped by her powerful faith, and Phyllis found a cherished Christian home at Redeemer Baptist Church in Anderson. Phyllis is survived by five children: Nancy (Randall) Koons, of North Vernon, IN, Judith (Guy) Barnett of Gainesville, FL., Jodi (Steve) Shetter of Corydon, IN, Dave Argabright (Fiancee, Lisa Bennett) of Westfield, and Polly (J.R.) Wheeler of Greensburg, IN. Phyllis was blessed with 14 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by siblings, Marilow Walford, Linda Kendall, and Sharon Tuttle. Phyllis was preceded in death by Joe Argabright and Lenus Elsey , and brothers Samuel David Whiteman, Carl Whiteman, Jr., twin brother Phillip Whiteman and Jerry Whiteman. During the final stretch of her journey Phyllis received loving medical care from Community Cancer Center and Dr. Reddy, Dr. Brian Kohles, and Aspen Place Health Campus in Greensburg. Visitation will take place on Tuesday from 4-8pm at Loose Funeral Homes and Crematory with services on Wednesday at 10:00am at Redeemer Baptist Church, 3230 Lindberg Road, Anderson. Burial will be in Grovelawn Cemetery.

Phyllis Argabright Elsey

May 9, 1930 - December 10, 2016