Phyllis Adra Austin of Locust Grove Dies at 90
Phyllis Austin of Locust Grove, known to neighborhood children as their "snack dealer," died at 90 after rarely missing a church service or ball game in her final years.
Phyllis Adra Austin, 90, of Locust Grove, died at her home on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Born April 4, 1935, in Peebles, Ohio, she was the daughter of Charlie and Rosabelle "Rose" (Johnson) Crothers and spent nine decades rooted in this corner of Adams County.
On April 5, 1954, she married Carl Wayne Austin. They shared 62 years of marriage before his death in August 2016. Together they raised two children, Phillip Wayne and Melissa Loraine. Her son Phillip Wayne Austin preceded her in death, as did five siblings: Patricia (Allen) Lewis, Dena (Larry) Graham, James (Martha) Crothers, Dallas Crothers, and Linda (James) Arrington.
In her retirement years, Phyllis filled her days with volunteering and attending Faith Life Church in West Union. She read what her obituary described as "endless amounts of her favorite love stories," studied her Bible, and listened to her favorite music. She earned a particular distinction among the children in her circle, becoming known as their "snack dealer" for the way she spoiled her great-grandchildren and countless others. Despite her age, she rarely missed church services, ball games, school programs, or family outings, and always carried a smile, her familiar laugh, and her keen fashion sense.
Phyllis is survived by her daughter, Melissa (George) Crabtree; her daughter-in-law, Kimberly Austin; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Lanna Smart; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Faith Life Church, 91 Rollingwoods Dr., West Union, with visitation from 10 a.m. to noon and the funeral service beginning at noon. Graveside services followed at Locust Grove Cemetery, 10530 OH-73, Peebles. Arrangements were under the care of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Homes, reachable at their Peebles office at (937) 587-2500.
In keeping with Phyllis' wishes, donations may be made to Faith Life Church in her memory, in lieu of flowers.
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