Newspaper Tidbits Project
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
"Decatur Daily Democrat", Thursday, September 18, 2008
Marcella E. Phegley, 85, entered into rest on September 17, 2008, at 5:55 a.m. She had
been in failing health for the past five months. She was the widow of well-respected NAPA
Auto Parts owner Byrom J. (BJ) Phegley.
Born Marcella E. Eldridge on October 14, 1922, in Rensselaer, she was the daughter of
Thomas and Marguerite Eldridge. One of 12 children, her formative years were spent on the
family homestead relaxing and reading while sitting in her favorite tree. She worked for
several years at St. Joseph College in Rensselaer and then as an Allen County Military
court reporter.
On September 21, 1951, she was united in marriage to B.J. Phegley in Crown Point, Ind.
They made their first home in Rensselaer, later moving to Monticello, and finally settling
in Bluffton in 1957. Mr. Phegley owned and operated NAPA Auto Parts in Bluffton and soon
after opened a second store in Decatur. Mr. Phegley died August 23, 1984. Their sons
carried on the family business, owning NAPA Auto Parts stores, Noel in Columbia City and
Mark in Decatur and Monroeville.
Mrs. Phegley's memberships included the First United Methodist Church, where she
served as the church hostess for 27 years coordinating craft bazaars and church dinners;
United Methodist Women, where she held several offices; Tri Kappa Alpha Associates, Bay
View Reading Club, and recently became active in The Painting Group. Over the years, she
received several awards for her artistic creativity. She also enjoyed playing bridge and
Kings in the Corners with her friends and grandchildren.
In 1987, she was the Chairwoman for the Sesquicentennial of Wells County, later
receiving Wells County Woman of the Year for her outstanding efforts. She was also known
for her culinary talents from cookie trays to prom dinners in Wells County.
She is survived by two sons: Noel B. (Gloria) Phegley of Columbia City and Mark R.
(Julie) Phegley of Decatur, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Surviving
siblings include: Clara (Ray) Nitzschke of Valencia, CA, Nancy (LaVerne) Meyer, Ardis
(Jay) Critser, Jack (Janice) Eldridge all of Rensselaer.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, four brothers, two sisters and an
infant sister.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 on Thursday at Thoma-Rich, Chaney, Lemler
Funeral Home in Bluffton. Funeral service will be at First United Methodist Church Friday
at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Lucinda Osgood officiating.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Bluffton
or Heartland Hospice.