M. Phyllis Hawk, 88, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully at her residence, surrounded by family on Thursday November 27, 2025.
A daughter of the late Eugene and Eva (Porcher) Hahn, Phyllis was born in her Bakersville, Ohio childhood home on March 14, 1937. In 1953, Phyllis married the love of her life, James C. Hawk, with whom she celebrated 65 years of marriage prior to his death in 2018.
A champion of the family, Phyllis was widely known for her green thumb and beautiful gardens, as well as baking and cooking with her delicious apple dumplings among the most favored. Many will remember her quick wit, contagious sense of humor, and gregarious nature. She was a magnetic, positive person and brought a light to each room she entered. Above all, Phyllis was a model mother, grandmother, and caregiver, working tirelessly to support her flock and encouraging each of them to be their own, unique, authentic self.
She is survived by daughter, Kimberly Erb, of the home, a son, Timothy (Kristin) Hawk of Grandview Heights, Ohio, and daughter-in-law, Orlane Hawk of Sherrodsville; her grandchildren; James C. Hawk, Michelle (Paul) Zimmerman, William (Monica) Hawk, Jessica (Randy) Pierson, Sarah (Chris) Kimble, W. Samuel (Summer) Hawk and Spencer Hawk; 12 great-grandchildren; her sister Donna VanSickle of Newcomerstown, brother and sister-in-law Marilyn and Gordon Hawk of East Sparta and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her husband, James, Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Jennifer Hawk; two sons, James E. Hawk and Rex Hawk; a son-in-law, Gregory Erb; two grandsons, Daniel Erb and Joseph Hawk; two brothers, Robert Hahn and Eugene Hahn; and a sister, Barbara.
In keeping with her wishes, a funeral service will be held Wednesday December 3, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia with Pastor Brian Flood officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. in the funeral home prior to the service. A private interment will be held at a later date in East Avenue Cemetery.
Contributions may be made in Phyllis’ memory to the First United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 422, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.
Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory
116 Second Street NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663
www.geibfuneral.com
Geib Funeral Service
5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622
Geib Pet Crematory
5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622
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