Phyllis Bathke

Phyllis Bathke, 77, of Medaryville, went home to be with the Lord Friday, Oct. 31. She passed away at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville following a brave battle with cancer. 

Phyllis was born on Jan. 12, 1948 in LaPorte, to the late Robert C. and Alma L. (Linback) Ewing. She graduated from Winamac High School in 1966 and went to work as a telephone operator in Lafayette.  

On Nov. 28, 1970, Phyllis married Theodore M. “Ted” Smolek in Winamac. They made their home in Colorado and had one son, Kurt. Ted was killed in a plane crash on Nov. 16, 1973 in Ft. Morgan, Colorado. After moving back to Indiana, Phyllis met Arden Bathke from Medaryville. They were married at St. John Church on July 17, 1982. Phyllis and Arden had a daughter, Lisa.

Phyllis was an active member of St. John Church, serving as church secretary and teaching Sunday School.  She was a devoted farm wife and enjoyed family gatherings.  Phyllis was outgoing and kind to everyone she met. She will be deeply missed.

She is survived by husband Arden Bathke, Medaryville; daughter-in-law Katie Smolek, Westfield, Wisconsin; grandsons: Trevor [Emily] Hammond and Bret Smolek; granddaughter Hannah Smolek; great-grandson Jack Hammond; brothers: Robert L. [Peggy] Ewing, Inman, South Carolina, David [Carol] Ewing, Monticello and Daniel Ewing, Lafayette; sister Virginia Ewing, Dayton; and several nieces and nephews. 

Preceded in death by parents: Robert C. and Alma L. (Linback) Ewing; first husband Theodore M. “Ted” Smolek; son Kurt N. Smolek; infant daughter Lisa Alexandria Bathke; sister Beverly Steele; and nephew Christopher Ewing.

Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 5, at Frain Mortuary in Medaryville.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 6, at St. John Church in Medaryville, with Rev. Curtis Bond officiating.

Burial will take place at St. John Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Church.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Medaryville. 

(Pulaski County Journal — Nov. 5, 2025)