Phyllis R. Detwiler

Phyllis Ryan Detwiler, 83, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at Hospice and Community Care, Mount Joy, PA, surrounded by her loving daughters. Born in Angola, IN, she was the daughter of the late Russell L. and Lena Mae Ryan. She was the loving wife of Daniel Hiestand Detwiler II who died in 2005. She is survived by her daughters Leslie Jennings Detwiler DeLucia (Evan), Urbana, IL., and Dana Detwiler Bartels (Jackson), Glenmoore, PA.; her brother Clifford Ryan (Sigrid), Cincinnati, OH. and Naples, FL.; two grandsons, Nicholas Jennings DeLucia and Michael Sanderson DeLucia, Urbana, IL.; extended family and dear friend, Susie Atherton, Lancaster, PA. Phyllis was a pioneer as an early patient who received open-heart surgery in 1962 to correct an arterial septal defect. A 14-member surgical team, led by Dr. George R. Holswade and Dr. S. Frank Redo, performed the procedure. 15 medical students and numerous friends and family donated blood for her surgery. A reporter from the New York Daily News described the operating room procedure in his article as “There is no confusion. No tension is apparent. The stage is set for one of the most spectacular dramas in modern history.” Phyllis was 30 years old at the time of this surgery. Phyllis worked in retail sales in Lancaster, PA. for over 30 years. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. She loved to spend time with her family and friends, cook, read, travel, entertain, dine out, play bridge and attend performances at the Fulton Opera House and Lancaster Symphony. In 2014 she traveled by herself to attend her 65th high school reunion in Angola, IN. In 2005 Phyllis was diagnosed with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension that required complex medications and diligence in their use. Her excellent doctors at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA., the Heart Group, Lancaster, PA., and Accredo nurses extended her life. Phyllis courageously and graciously donated her body to the Humanity Gifts Registry of The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for anatomical study and/or research. She wished her donation would further educate the medical community. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff and volunteers at The Heart Group, Homestead Village and Mount Joy Hospice. At her request there will be no service. A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Homestead Village, Fickes House, P.O. Box 3227, Lancaster, PA., 17604 or Hospice and Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA., 17604.

Phyllis R. Detwiler

March 20, 2015