Phyllis Gene Schmits

Phyllis Gene Schmits, 85, formerly of Fort Branch, IN, passed away on December 18, 2025, at North River Health Campus in Evansville, IN. She was born November 6, 1940, in Owensville, IN, to the late Louis and Marie (Woods) Sampson.

Phyllis was a longstanding member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and the VFW Auxiliary Post #2714. She dedicated her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Gibson General Hospital in Princeton for 31 years and volunteered with the bereavement dinner team at her church. In her leisure time, she enjoyed reading and camping with her late husband, Richie.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 37 years, Carl “Richie” Schmits; and brothers, Jim and Jerry Sampson.

She is survived by her sister, Joyce Biel of Fort Branch; brother-in-law, Bill (Annette) Schmits of Sebring, FL; sister-in-law, Elaine Schmits of Newburgh; godsons, Jonathan (Chantal) Wood and Shayne (Ranae) May; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with Father Gary Kaiser officiating. Recitation of the rosary will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of mass at the church. A committal service will precede entombment at Holy Cross Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church. Condolences can be expressed online at stodghillfuneralhome.com.