Phyllis (Self) Bretz, of Rockport, died peacefully with her family by her side, on Friday, February 28, 2020, in Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of 63.
She was born on August 9, 1956, in Greenville, Kentucky to Phillip and Betty Self. She graduated from Castle High School in 1974 and attended Indiana State University- Evansville, eventually graduating from Lockyear College. She married Norman, her devoted husband, on Valentine’s Day 1988.
Phyllis was accomplished at genealogy and spent many hours tracing her family’s roots. She was an inquisitive individual who loved learning about history and visiting historical sites. She worked to help the unemployed find jobs and taught nutrition classes to those in need. She also was a volunteer firefighter for the ALCOA Fire Brigade, the Newburgh Fire Department, and the Boonville Fire Department. She earned her EMT and was a Fire Instructor. She attended services at Trinity Methodist Church in Rockport.
Though her health was failing for years, few people knew the extent to which she struggled. Her wonder for the world and love for her family kept her pushing through the pain.
She is survived by her father, Phillip (Gloria) Self of Newburgh; husband, Norman Bretz; daughters, September Lant of Evansville and Angel (Brad) Gold of Georgetown; and her sister, Pamela (Andrew) Templin of Concord, California. She also had two cherished grandchildren, Brexton and Ansley, and many other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty (Simmons) Self.
A memorial service for Phyllis Bretz is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, at 2 p.m. at Boultinghouse Funeral Home in Rockport. All are welcome to attend and celebrate her life.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Spencer County Public Library at 210 Walnut St., Rockport, IN 47635.
Friends unable to attend may send a condolence to the family at www.BoultinghouseFuneralHome.com.
