Phyllis Ramer Harvey … who so loved the theatre, took her final bow on March 31, 2018.

Act 1

Phyllis was born August 1928 in Peru, IN as the only child of Darrell and Florence Sidden.  She always recalled her Miami County roots as one of her life blessings.  A prom queen childhood filled with the kinship of many lifelong friends, Midwest small town sensibilities, “circus days” summers and a myriad of fond memories.

Act 2 

Scene 1:  Phyllis attended Butler University before meeting Arthur Ramer after his return to Peru from military service. A whirlwind romance and marriage led to their setting up household in Indianapolis, though they maintained lifelong ties to Peru.

Scene 2:  As Arthur developed a successful career, Phyl became a dedicated wife, mother and homemaker. Her children Triesa and Mark enjoyed a well nurtured childhood, and Phyl always maintained a tasteful home.  They enjoyed an active social life, bridge club, and travel to exotic locations on all the major continents.  Phyl particularly loved European vacations and many Broadway “theatre week” trips to NYC.  She supplemented her role as wife and mother by dabbling in local theatre, and was bitten by the acting bug.

Act 3

Scene 1:  After the children left home, Arthur and Phyl went their separate ways.  Phyl by then had immersed herself in the local theatre scene, especially in a leadership role with her beloved Epilogue Theater.   She would haunt area thrift stores for theatre props in a vintage pearl green Mercedes with the license plate “Ham Act”.   She shared the limelight with interesting characters named Pepper and Pink. During these years Phyl was recognized by her Indy area thespian peers with several “Encore” awards, including statuettes for acting, directing and set design.

Scene 2: Phyllis met Fred Harvey as a fellow performer at the Epilogue.  Fred and Phyl eventually married and enjoyed sharing their golden years working together in the theatre. There were a few years when they were “Encore” award judges and attended all local theatre productions.  They enjoyed the honor but lamented they could not be active in theater for an entire season.  Fred was a thoughtful man who wrote several plays as well as regular love letters to “my Phylly”.  Together they found producing, directing, late nights as carpenters and painters of Epilogue sets, costume design, memorizing their lines and crafting their acting skills both filled their days and fulfilled their lives.  Their home hosted many cast parties (some a bit bawdy – theater people!).  Their large basement became a green room of costumes and stage set pieces – and a great playground for the grandkids.  Phyl also delighted in casting her granddaughter Evangeline in productions.   Fred and Phyl embraced their life… carpe diem!

Dénouement

The realities of aging caught up with both Fred and Phyl.  Fred passed away in 2017 after being institutionalized several years with the cruel ravages of Alzheimer’s disease.  Phyl, evermore frail with age, lived out the last of her 89 years first in the home and loving care of her daughter Triesa, and finally in the care of the good people at the Hooverwood Nursing Home.

Phyllis Harvey remains in the fond memories of friends and family – daughter Triesa (William) Hodgson and son A. Mark Ramer, and four grandchildren – Paul (Lana) Ramer, Alicia (Andrew) Anderson, Justin and Evangeline Hodgson.  Life was her stage, and Phyllis lived her parts so well … break a leg.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 3 pm at Indiana Funeral Care, Harry W. Moore Chapel, 8151 Allisonville Road, with visiting hours from 1 pm until the time of service.