Phyllis Marie Neal (nee Loop), wife and mother went to the Lord on March 6, 2024. She was 93 years old. To many she was a delightful character, always in one of the many hats she an accumulated over the years.

She was born in Salina, Kansas where she was raised through the Great Depression and WWII. Phyllis met her husband Earl P. Neal (1926-2017) at a USO Dance when he was stationed at Smokey Hill Airforce Base in Salina. They were married in 1951, which began the great adventures of her lifetime. Married for 66 years, together they lived in seven states, spent three years in Japan, and vacationed at many places in the U.S. and around the world. They had one child, a daughter, to whom they were devoted.

While in Japan she discovered the joy of oil painting. Over the years she painted many canvases which still adorn the walls of family and friends. She loved roller coasters, riding alone as her husband and daughter with weak stomachs watched from afar. She was an avid reader until the end of her life; and despite failing eyesight, read big print books (including her Study Bible) and with a magnifying glass.

In the late 1960s she began teaching English as a Second Language using the Laubach Method for over 40 years. During those years she proudly tutored five students to their U.S. citizenship, always present when they took their oaths.

Phyllis was a faithful servant to the many churches she attended. Although raised in the Methodist Church, when she began attending the Presbyterian Church when she and her husband finally retired to Oakhurst, California. They moved to Fresno, California in 2000 where she began her 24-year dedication to University Presbyterian Church. She served as a Deacon, Service Greeter, and Pew Partner to her church family.

Phyllis leaves behind her daughter, Kerry Neal; five nephews, Gary Reese, Larry Loop, Michael Loop, Mark Reese, and Scott Hood; and niece Susan Hood. There is a Memorial Service scheduled on Saturday, April 6 at 2 p.m. at University Presbyterian Church (UPC) at 1776 E. Roberts Avenue, Fresno. An English Tea reception follows at the church.

Memorial Donations can be made to the UPC Deacons Fund.