Phyllis Jean (Kaufman) Reinke

Phyllis Jean Reinke, 82, of Flora, passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at White Oak Health Campus in Monticello. She was born in Kokomo on June 22, 1942, to Howard and Florence Mae (McDonald) Kaufman. She married Jerry L. Reinke on July 8, 1962, in Lincoln. He preceded her in passing on December 1, 2010.

Phyllis was a 1960 graduate of Galveston High School. She then attended Indiana Central College (now University of Indianapolis). Phyllis and her husband lived in Indianapolis before moving to Flora in 1967, where they owned and operated Reinke Funeral Home. While helping with the funeral home, she also gave piano lessons at home and worked as the church secretary for Flora First Christian Church for 45 years until she retired in December of 2021. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Psi Iota Xi Sorority, and Flora First Christian Church. She also was an avid golfer and played in the Tuesday Night Golf League in Delphi and Thursday League in Kokomo for years. She enjoyed cross stitching for her family, but above all, she loved her family, especially her grandkids. Nothing made her happier than attending family events, functions, sporting and school events where she got to be their biggest cheerleader. She loved sharing her children and grandchildren’s latest happenings. No one was more proud of their family than she was of hers.

Phyllis will be remembered for her enormous heart. She loved the city of Flora, the church, the funeral home, and gave so much of her time and energy to supporting those things and the people of the community. She gave much of her time helping out at the Keepin’ It Real Home. She was always helping others in any way she could. Whether it be a car ride somewhere, a place to rest, financially, or just a friendly person to talk with, Phyllis loved and cared genuinely. The world has truly lost an amazing woman and a great soul.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Jerry (Cynthia) Reinke and Sherry LeBeau; siblings, Elaine (Terry) Wray, Gary Kaufman, and Kurt (Jo) Kaufman;  grandchildren, Hannah (Brian) Matthews, Abigail (Jon) Keisling, Ethan Reinke, Kristie (Joe Gilberto) LeBeau, and Jessie (Riley) Benner; and three great-grandchildren, Nora Jean Keisling, Ketsiah Mae Keisling, and Macy Kay Benner.

Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law, Kent LeBeau.

Visitation will be held, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 10am until the time of the service at 2pm at Flora First Christian Church. Pastors Kim Holley and Benjamin Lantzer will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Maple Lawn Cemetery with Pastor Jon Keisling having the committal. Day & Genda Funeral Home ~ Reinke Chapel in Flora is assisting with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Flora Christian Church in Phyllis’ honor. Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.