Phyllis L. Hutchins

Boonville- Phyllis L. Hutchins, 85, of Main St. widow of Harvey E. passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2016, at Sunset Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Boonville, where she had resided since 2014. A native and lifelong resident of Main St., Boonville, she was born on April 8, 1930, a daughter of Henry and Jesse Wade Boyce. She graduated from Boonville Central School; while attending high school, Phyllis began part time employment as a telephone operator at the Black River Telephone Co. of Boonville. Upon graduation from high school, she began full time employment at the phone company. Later she transferred to General Telephone Co, retiring from Continental Phone Co., all of Boonville, in October, 1984. During most of her career as telephone operator, Mrs. Hutchins was also manager of the employee training department at the phone company. On April 15, 1950, Phyllis was united in marriage with Harvey E. Hutchins at the Boonville Baptist Church Parsonage. Mr. Hutchins a heavy equipment operator at Eastern Rock Co. Boonville passed away on July 11, 1996. Mrs. Hutchins was a life member of First Baptist Church, of Boonville and for many years she served as piano player for the church. Phyllis was an accomplished self-taught piano player and she enjoyed a wide variety of music, including country-western and Elvis. While residing at Sunset, she brightened the days for many, while entertaining the nursing home residents and staff with her piano playing. For many years Phyllis served as a volunteer at the Boonville-Oneida Co. Fair; in later years she was employed in the exhibit hall at the fair. She enjoyed traveling, crocheting and reading. Mrs. Hutchins found great joy in serving as a volunteer at Sunset Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She is survived by two daughters and sons in law, Karen L. (Philip) Leffingwell, Boonville, Nancy (Barry) Sweeney, Boonville; one son, and daughter in law, Doug (Kelly) Hutchins, Boonville; seven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Her family extends a special and heartfelt expression of thanks to her granddaughter Dara, and Pennie Oaster; her roommate, Dorothy, and the entire staff at Sunset Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the excellent care and kindness extended to Mrs. Hutchins. A celebration of her life will be held for her church friends on Tuesday at 6:30 P.M. at the Boonville Baptist Church. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no public calling hours. A spring interment will be in Boonville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Boonville Baptist Church 325 Post St. Boonville, NY 13309. Her arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. Boonville.