Phyllis F. Ekleberry

SPENCER: Phyllis Marie (Frye) Ekleberry, 87, of Spencer, passed away peacefully at the Oasis in
Worcester, on Tuesday, February, 25th surrounded by her loving family.
Phyllis leaves her four children, Amy E Perro and her husband Mike of Spencer, Dawn E.
Gauthier and her husband Joe of Leicester, William D. "Bill" Ekleberry, and his partner
Cathy of Spencer and Mark Ekleberry. She leaves her grandchildren which were the
light of her life - Michael D. Perro, Alexander D. Lee both of Spencer and Ashlyn Perro of
Connecticut. She is also survived by her best friend Mary Mugg, her brothers Don (Nancy)
Frye, Larry (Marylee) Frye, her sisters Doris Jean Wilson, Marietta Quillen and Betty Jo
Long and her best dog Roxie. She is preceded in death by her husband Dave, her parents and
her brothers Archie Frye and Gary Frye.
She was born in Spencer, Indiana to Ova Frye and Desda "Jane" (New) Frye and later
graduated from Spencer High School in Spencer, IN in 1955
and the Indiana University School of Nursing in 1958. She spent a few years working in
Bloomington, Indiana as a nurse before meeting the love of her life William David Ekleberry on a
blind date and marrying just a few months later in 1960 in Milton, Florida. After spending
a few years in Iwakuni, Japan while Dave served as a pilot in the US Navy,
Dave and Phyllis settled their family in Spencer, Massachusetts in 1964.
Phyllis worked as a nurse, volunteered, and helped manage the properties she and Dave
purchased in and around Spencer. In 1982, with the purchase and then complete remodel of the historic Spencer
Country Inn, she found a career she loved and put her heart and soul into for over 40 years. She
filled so many roles at the Inn and was never afraid to pitch in anywhere that was needed.
The family would like to extend their deep gratitude for the wonderful care Phyllis received
at the Oasis and specifically thank the angels on earth at the Oasis who went above and
beyond at all times - Renee, Elizabeth, Yanizta, Diana, Becky, Grace, and Ben and Micah.
At her request, funeral services and burial in Pine Grove Cemetery alongside her husband will be held privately. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Spencer Rescue Squad, 6 Bixby Rd., Spencer, MA 01562. The J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME,
23 Maple Terr., Spencer is directing the arrangements for the family.